Iran intensifies crackdown on Christians and foreign contact

Christian minorities in Iran are facing intensified persecution following government crackdowns on evangelism and new legislative efforts to restrict foreign contact. According to Iran Alive Ministries, at least 176 Christians have been killed or imprisoned, including 33 ministers killed in recent months. The ministry reports that 131 others have been arrested, with some facing death row or house arrest.

In addition to direct targeting of religious leaders, the Iranian parliament has advanced legislation aimed at curbing “foreign influence.” The proposed law would impose criminal penalties or require prior authorization for interacting with foreign media, universities, research institutions, and embassies. Evangelical Christians in Tehran expressed fears of total isolation, noting that it is already increasingly difficult to gather outside of state-sanctioned denominations.

Christian advocacy group Open Doors ranks Iran 10th on its 2026 World Watch List for severe persecution. Authorities frequently target converts from Muslim backgrounds, viewing them as sympathizers with Western interests.