Iran is the 17th-largest country in the world and the world’s 17th-most populous country. It has one of the world's oldest civilizations. In 1979 the current Islamic theocracy was established. Ultimate authority is vested in the "Supreme Leader"; a position held by Ali Khamenei since the death of his father in 1989. The government has been criticized for abuses against human rights. Iran has been rocked by large protests following the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16th, 2022. The country's morality police had arrested the 22-year-old for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly and wearing skinny jeans. Protests continue in various parts of the country.
Country Stats
Capital City: Tehran
Government: Unitary theocratic Islamic republic
Major People Groups: Persians, Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Azerbaijanis, Baloch, Gilaks, Talysh, Mazanderanis, Lurs
Population: 86,758,304
Religion: 32.2% Shia Islam, 5% Suni Islam, 3.2% Shia Sufi Islam, 39.5% secular, 7.7% Zoroastrianism, 1.5% Christianity, 7.1% “spiritual”, 3.9% other (GAMAAN 2020)
Government: Unitary theocratic Islamic republic
Major People Groups: Persians, Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Azerbaijanis, Baloch, Gilaks, Talysh, Mazanderanis, Lurs
Population: 86,758,304
Religion: 32.2% Shia Islam, 5% Suni Islam, 3.2% Shia Sufi Islam, 39.5% secular, 7.7% Zoroastrianism, 1.5% Christianity, 7.1% “spiritual”, 3.9% other (GAMAAN 2020)
Iran is ruled by an increasingly strict Islamic regime, which views Iranian house churches as an attempt by Western countries to undermine Islam and their authority. When people from Muslim backgrounds become Christians, they can only meet in secret house churches. They are at great risk of being monitored, harassed, arrested and prosecuted for 'crimes against national security'. Iranian house church leaders and members have received long prison sentences involving physical and mental abuse. (Open Doors 2023)
How to Pray
- Pray that the Lord will preserve the faith of our Iranian brothers and sisters, especially those facing persecution.
- Pray for the Islamic political system to be demolished.
- Pray that many will come to faith through the faithful witness of courageous believers.
