Iran (MNN) — The Iranian government remains ambitious to engage in wars, even as those efforts drain the nation of both money and hope.
As Iran’s economic crisis deepens, authorities have imposed harsh measures that deplete what little savings citizens have left.
Nazanin Baghestani from Heart4Iran recalls a heartbreaking call from one mother. Her son was accused of stealing fifty dollars and fined five thousand dollars for his release.
“This mom was crying, and she said, This is injustice, and where do I get that money from?” adds Baghestani.
These steep fines are one way the government refills its coffers.
An Iranian woman stands at an overlook with a panoramic view of Tehran, Iran (Photo, caption courtesy of IMB CC 4.0)
“Of money, like 80% of all the government finance goes to the nuclear weapon, goes to war against Israel, weapons,” Baghestani explains.
She says less than ten percent of resources reach ordinary citizens. The result is food stortage, shuttered businesses, and failing banks. Since the United Nations reinstated sanctions in October, pressure on the population has only increased.
Yet amid the hardship, stories of hope continue to emerge.
One single mother who couldn’t afford school supplies for her son called the hotline for prayer.
“Two weeks later,” recalls Baghestani, “she called and said, My son’s classmate’s father just came and helped him. He came and gave him the books he needed.”
This act became pivotal in her faith journey. She had believed Jesus was only a prophet, but seeing such a quick answer to prayer changed her heart. “And she said, I always believed in Jesus, but now I believe He is alive — and He really listens,” adds Baghestani.
Kurdistan Province, Iran (photo courtesy of Peyvand Pezeshki via Pexels)
While there are many inspiring stories, fear of government discovery keeps many testimonies hidden.
“I’m sure God is at work in people’s lives and, you know, providing for them here and there,” Baghestani shares. “But unfortunately, we don’t always hear the testimonies because people are afraid to call.”
Pray that the hope of Christ will shine through Iran’s financial despair — in every family and community. Visit Heart4Iran to see how they find ways to encourage Iranians despite the crisis.
Header photo: Man in Mazandaran Province, Iran (photo courtesy of Lumière Rezaie via Unsplash).
