Last month, governmental authorities in Iran put more pressure on Christians in the country by demanding personal details of members of a Tehran church. Divulging personal information is risky as a Christian worker explained, ‘For former Muslims who follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, find there are often huge obstacles and problems, they'll lose their jobs, their bank accounts are frozen, and in general, life becomes very difficult.’ With that in mind, it was thought that maybe 100 at the most would come forward, however, over 700 stepped up, gave their names and addresses and said, 'Here we are. Here's where we stand. Calling Christians in Iran resilient, the OM worker noted that ‘they value the precious treasure they've found; they're willing to lose everything for the sake of finding Christ.’ The worker added that one of the best ways for believers around the world to stand with the Church in Iran is to pray for them.

Pray: for all those who have chosen to follow Jesus that God would put His arms around them. (Ps.91:14)

More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=42476&PN=1

NY Times report: ‘As tension grew in its nuclear dispute with the West, Iran warned it would take pre-emptive action against perceived foes if it felt its national interests were threatened. Without mentioning Israel directly, Mohammed Hejazi, the deputy Armed Forces head said, ‘Our strategy now is that if we feel our enemies want to endanger Iran's national interests, and want to decide to do that, we will act without waiting for their actions.' Reuters reported. ‘Divisions in Iran's leadership make it difficult to interpret the government's intentions, but the statement showed a new level of aggressiveness in Iran's rhetoric.’ A two-day visit by the International Atomic Energy Agency team is the second in less than a month amid growing concerns over alleged Iranian weapons experiments. Two Iranian warships docked in the Syrian port of Tartus on Monday as a senior Iranian lawmaker denounced American calls for arming the Syrian opposition.

Pray: that God in His mercy will reign over Iranian leaders and scientists. (Ps.35:17-18)

More: http://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/news/eye-iran-iran-warns-pre-emptive-action-nuclear-dispute

On Tuesday a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck close to Iran's nuclear power station, killing at least 37 people and injuring 850 more. The distance between the earthquake focal point and the nuclear power plant was 80km. The quake was felt across the Gulf in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where workers were evacuated from high-rise buildings as a precaution. Meanwhile on the same day EU Nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers in Kazakhstan revealed that 'the two sides remain far apart on substance.' At a P5+1 international meeting Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman urged the world powers to recognize the Islamic Republic’s nuclear rights and take confidence-building measures with Tehran. He reiterated that the Islamic Republic will use its nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes and the development of the country. Israel and other allies fear Iran is pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy programme. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4364580,00.html

Pray: that God would speak and achieve His purposes through the international community regarding Iran’s intentions. (Ps.33:10-11)

More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/04/201349122759954931.html

The International Atomic Energy Agency's report on Iran's nuclear programme released Tuesday drew criticism from Iran, China and Russia, while the United States and Israel suggested more sanctions, or even military action against Tehran. Iran's representative to IAEA called the report politically motivated. President Ahmadinejad said the IAEA should release reports on U.S. atomic bombs concealed in 1,000 military bases. The report was released against the backdrop of Israeli media speculating on possible military action against Iran's nuclear sites, with Israel saying it maintains the right to choose how to best defend itself and its citizens. Israel Hayom daily reported ‘Israel and the United States plan to hold a joint exercise dubbed ‘Austere Challenge’ in May 2012 to test their defence against ballistic missiles. Some 5,000 Israeli and U.S. troops will participate in the manoeuvre; the largest and most significant joint exercise in the allies' history

Pray: against the tensions between Tehran and the West. (Ps.110:1)

More: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-11/09/c_131237539.htm

‘Between 100 and 400 Christians have been detained over the last 10 days in Istahan, Shiraz and Tehran by the intelligence service. ‘Protestant Christians are now viewed as enemy number one of the state,’ said a spokesman for the Iranian Church. ‘We need urgent prayers,’ he added when asked what believers need most. At least seven members of the Church of Iran in Shiraz, have been detained including Mohammad Roghangir, Sister Roxana Forughi. (this is the second time for her) Others were identified as Suroush Saraie, Eskandar Rezaie, Bijan Haghighi, Mehdi Ameruni and Shahin Lahooti. They were taken to the notorious detention centre Plaque 100 of Iran's Intelligence Ministry.Seven received suspended five year sentences for ‘action against the national security.’ Many detainees have been forced to say they will no longer attend church services in exchange for freedom. There was no immediate response from Iranian officials.

Pray: for all who are suffering ‘various medical problems’ because of prison mistreatment; pray also for international outcry to shame Iran into ceasing its persecution of their 100,000+ Christians. (Ps.31:1)

More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/24042-breaking-news-iran-launching-massive-arrests-of-evangelicals

CBN News Terrorism Analyst reported the Iranian government believes the Islamic messiah (Mahdi) is about to appear. An Iranian regime-produced video called, ‘The Coming is Near’ describes current events in the Middle East as a prelude to the arrival of the mythical twelfth Imam or Mahdi. - a messiah figure who Islamic scriptures say will lead the armies of Islam to victory over all non-Muslims in the last days. According to an insider to the Iranian regime, ‘Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's office screened this movie recently with much excitement for the clerics.’ The target audience is Muslims in the Middle East and around the world. The video claims Iran is destined to rise as a great power in the last days to defeat America and Israel and usher in the return of the Mahdi; it makes clear the Iranians believe that time is fast approaching.

Pray: for Jesus Christ to reveal himself in power to President Ahmadinejad (Is.2:2) and for Iranian Christians to have many safe opportunities for evangelism at this time. (Col.4:3)

More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2011/s11030206.htm

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will send a team to Iran in 2013 for regular consultations regarding its crashing currency. However, an American advocacy group ‘United Against Nuclear Iran’ (UAN) said the UN and IMF should not undermine the will of the international community and the effects of sanctions imposed in direct response to the Iranian regime's illegal activities.’ The IMF's proposed work in Iran is designed to counter the effects of both the gross mismanagement of the Iranian economy by the regime, and the consequences of international sanctions. But UAN said, ‘The IMF's actions are more appropriate for a member state in good standing, not an illegal regime subject to multiple UN Security Council sanctions. The IMF is directly counteracting the effects, and therefore the consequences, of international sanctions. The IMF's cooperation with Iran must end.’

Pray: for God to give Christine Lagarde and the International Monetary Fund wisdom in their dealings with Iran. (Ps.45:4-5)

More: http://www.cnbc.com/id/49812391

A New York-based advocacy group that has pressured companies and organizations to halt business with Iran because of its disputed nuclear program is urging the International Monetary Fund to close its account at Iran’s central bank and suspend Iran as a member. Mark Wallace, president of United Against Nuclear Iran, a group whose founders include current and former administration officials, has sent a letter to IMF managing director Christine Lagarde criticizing the IMF’s relationship with Iran. Iran’s central bank, also known as Bank Markazi, has been sanctioned by the U.S. and the European Union. Wallace’s group is attempting to isolate Iran and pressure it to give up its uranium enrichment activities and to cooperate more fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IMF’s chief spokesman, William Murray, said the Fund isn’t violating any laws and is following its normal rules toward member nations. The U.S. Treasury and EU spokesmen declined to comment on the call for Iran to be suspended from the IMF.

Pray: for God to move the heart of the Iranian leadership – enabling them to engage with the rest of the world. (2 Ch.36:22)

More: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-30/imf-pressured-to-suspend-iran-close-central-bank-account#p1