Iran intensifies persecution of Christian ministers and underground churches

Iranian authorities have reportedly killed at least 33 Christian ministers and detained more than 130 individuals linked to underground church networks in recent months, according to Iran Alive Ministries. Hormoz Shariat, the founder of the Texas-based organization, stated that the crackdown follows widespread civilian demonstrations earlier this year.

Of the 131 Christians reported arrested, 14 remain in prison—some facing death sentences—while 114 remain unaccounted for. Other reported statuses include individuals under house arrest, those released under surveillance, and others facing prosecution.

In addition to physical arrests and killings, the Iranian government has tightened restrictions on religious media. Persecution-monitoring groups, such as Open Doors, report that religious broadcasts have been banned, and as of July, listening to such programming has been classified as a criminal offense. Despite these measures, Iran Alive Ministries reports that conversions from Islam to Christianity continue to occur within the country.