Despite the risk of broader war, many Iranians are viewing events with expectation rooted in their history and spiritual heritage. Farshid Mehdi with Trans World Radio explains why.

1. First, Iran — historically known as Persia — features prominently in the Old Testament narrative.

Zerubbabel shows Cyrus the Great a plan of the rebuilt Jerusalem (by Dutch painter
Jacob van Loo via Wikimedia Commons)

“In Esther, Nehemiah, Ezra, and Daniel, you see the Persian kings supporting the Jewish people,” Mehdi says.

In Ezra, King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Later Persian rulers support the restoration of the city’s walls and institutions, and in Esther the king intervenes to prevent the destruction of the Jewish community.

“This shows that Persia had a relation to God’s plan,” he explains.

From this perspective, Persia played a part in the coming of the Messiah — a legacy many Christians in Iran see as relevant today.

2. Second, Islam is not native to Persia.

Muslim armies conquered the region in the seventh century. Persian identity endured through writers like Ferdowsi, Khayyam, and others, but earlier religions were gradually suppressed as Islam became dominant. The 1979 Islamic Revolution later reshaped the nation’s political system.

“They changed the name of Iran, Persia, to Islamic Republic of Iran,” Mehdi says.

He adds that the new system positioned itself in opposition to Israel, despite the long historical ties between the two nations.

Iranians rally in Tbilisi and worldwide voicing support for the United States and Israel, March 1, 2026 (photo courtesy of MNN).

Today, many Iranians see the current Islamic system as disconnected from their historic identity. That frustration has fueled protests and calls for the return of Reza Pahlavi.

It has also led many to respond positively to news of potential political change and the possibility of restored peace in the region, including with Israel.

3. Finally, there is God’s promise concerning Iran.

In Jeremiah 49:38, God says, “I will set My throne in Elam.”

Elam was an ancient kingdom in what is now southwestern Iran. In that passage, God declares judgment on Elam but also promises restoration in the latter days.

Many Iranian believers hold on to that promise despite pressure and persecution.

Mehdi urges Christians to pray: “Pray in the name of Jesus that the power of Satan will be broken and that freedom will come to the country!”

Join Iranian believers in praying for their nation. TWR’s Persian World Radio continues broadcasting to listeners in Iran and the diaspora. Learn more about their work here!

Header photo: Persepolis, Iran (courtesy of Yare zaman2000 via Wikimedia Commons).

Many Iranians no longer want to live under the current system, hoping for a change in the country. Lily Ricci with Iran Alive Ministries shares a recent story that shows the love people have for their country and faith in God:

Young man (photo courtesy of Arafat uddin Showrab via Unsplash)

“A father who was a believer contacted us and said, ‘I lost my 20-year-old son in the protests, and when I went to get his body, I had to pay for the number of bullets that were used to kill my son. And there were three.’”

In that case, authorities demanded about $6,000 before releasing the body. This is one of many similar cases.

However, when families cannot afford the fee but still want to bury their loved ones, officials pressure them to claim their relative was an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) soldier. Ricci explains:

“They’re asking people to lie so that they can falsify the number of people who were participating in the protests.”

The grieving father also shared his perspective inspired by faith in Christ: “I’m sharing this with you not as a victim, but as a victor, knowing that even in our losses, God is with us and He will carry us through.”

Representative photo courtesy of
Artin Bakhan via Unsplash

He asks those who hear his story to be a voice for his son and to expose what he sees as evil at work in Iran. Pray for freedom for the Iranian people and for God’s justice. Ricci adds:

“Pray for this demonic force that has been holding Iran in such a tight grip for over 47 years to be lifted, and for the Spirit of God to be released so that true freedom — found only in knowing Christ — would take root in Iran.”

Many ministries are preparing for the day they can openly serve in a free Iran. “Iran Alive Ministries,” says Ricci, “has been preparing a strategy for the plan of return.”

Leaders within the underground church network are already in place. They are discipling believers quietly and building strong foundations of faith. They pray for freedom to step into the open, establishing churches publicly and continuing the discipleship process without fear of house raids, arrests, or government retaliation.

Header representative photo courtesy of Breet Sayles via Pexels.