Iran (MNN) — Despite efforts to keep both parties at the table, the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire effectively collapsed earlier this month. Renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz triggered fresh U.S. airstrikes and Iranian retaliation.
Direct negotiations have since stalled, leaving the region on edge as military exchanges continue. Even before the ceasefire collapsed, David Bogosian of Alliance for the Unreached said Iran’s leaders portrayed the conflict as a victory.
“They were able to maintain the status quo for a long time in the Strait of Hormuz, and we weren’t really able to get around that from the United States side,” Bogosian says.
“It’s definitely going to strengthen the hand of more extremist elements, and that doesn’t bode well for the Church in Iran.”
As hardliners gain influence, Christians and other religious minorities face increasing pressure.
“What we’re seeing is that, after the Israeli and American strikes, there’s an increase of targeting of minorities and Christians,” Bogosian says.
“It’s as if the extremist elements are saying, ‘Look, we were right, and you moderates are wrong. Moderation doesn’t help us; we’re being attacked anyway.’”
(Graphic courtesy of unfoldingWord)
Needs grow exponentially during war. Pray for supernatural provision for believers as they serve Iran’s unreached people groups.
“Probably the greatest thing that needs to be focused on and prayed for is the development of leaders in Iran,” Bogosian says.
“So many leaders have been targeted and arrested, so many have had to flee the country; there’s a constant need to raise up a new generation of leaders.”
Praise the Lord for using Iranian women to help fill the resulting leadership and outreach gaps. “One of the awesome things is how God uses women in Iran,” Bogosian says.
“Women are so oppressed, and they’re responding in large numbers to the Gospel, and God is using them in unprecedented ways as evangelists to share the faith all over the country.”
Header image is a representative AI photo depicting Iranian Christians in a house church. Photo generated by Chat GPT.
