A former president supported by Iran’s moderates and considered a founding member of the Islamic republic was disqualified from being a candidate in Iran’s election, as was Ahmadinejad’s top aide Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei - their omission could cause a backlash from rivals of Iran’s conservative establishment. Large groups of riot police, similar to those on Tehran’s streets after the contested 2009 election results, patrolled on motorcycles throughout Tehran on Tuesday for the first time in more than a year. Many believe this was in anticipation of the candidate announcement. President Ahmadinejad cannot run for election again. He is limited to two terms. Under Iran's theocratic system Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wields supreme power making final decisions on nuclear and military questions. Meanwhile on Tuesday an AOG pastor in Tehran was detained as part of Iran's wider crackdown on evangelical believers. His church prepares for possible closure early June after pressure from the Intelligence Ministry. See: http://www.christianpersecution.info/index.php?view=12285
Pray: that the new president will embark on an international image makeover and open the door to less hostile relations with Christians, their Arab neighbours and the West. (Mic.4:3)
A 2010 report from the European Committee for Defence of Iranian Christians has been posted on Farsi Christian Network newswire stating, ‘putting pressure on, and bullying of, the Christian community in the Islamic Republic has significantly been increased in both scope and intensity during 2010.’
Pray: that Christians experiencing freedom to worship and share the gospel and intercede more passionately for persecuted Christians. (Col.1:9-11)
Iran: Reporting impact of sanctions
12 Jul 2012Iran has warned the media against the publication of reports concerning the impact of Western sanctions, urging it to cooperate so that ‘the country is not hurt,’ Mohammad Hosseini, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance said. ‘Our country is not in a position to allow the media to publish any news or analysis which is not compatible with the regime's and national interests.’ The media are closely watched in Iran and authorities regularly warn against the publication of ‘negative’ information in the economic and social fields. Meanwhile Britain’s Daily Telegraph reported, ‘Iranians are abandoning traditional eating habits and giving up chicken, red meat, fruit and sugar, being thrown out of work at alarming rates because factories are unable to import goods and equipment and the country faces running short of medicines. Sanctions have become a humanitarian issue. Undercover researchers discovered 10 basic foods had risen in price by 70% since March while the average family's food basket shrunk by half. See:
Pray: that the sanctions would have the desired effect on the government and may the people of Iran experience a better quality of life physically, emotionally and spiritually. (Tit.3:1-2)
Iran: Report of US warships off coast
02 Aug 2010
As unconfirmed reports continue to emerge of an imminent Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities in Middle East media. A US-based strategic intelligence company released charts showing US naval carriers near Iranian waters. The chart dated June 23rd 2010 shows that over the last few weeks naval carrier the USS Harry S Truman has been positioned in the north Indian Ocean, not far from the Strait of Hormuz. (which leads into the Persian Gulf). The carrier joins USS Dwight D Eisenhower already in the area. Reports of movements of Israeli and US naval warships have been circulating through the media for weeks. (See Prayer Alert 2610) Ha'aretz reported 12 US and Israeli warships were seen moving through the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. On Saturday Associated Press published ‘unconfirmed’ reports from Israeli and Iranian media that Saudi Arabia allowed Israel to use its territory in preparation for an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Pray: for a cooling down of this situation, for any erroneous reports to be exposed for what they are, while at the same time for all truth to be revealed and acted upon. (Pr.21:29-31) More: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article25829.htm
Since last weeks report on the arrested Christians at Christmas there has been no further contact from the detainees. It is almost certain they are in interrogation in Block 209 in the basement of Evin Prison, Tehran. Block 209 is where other believers have been taken for horrendous interrogation. The arrested are blindfolded, questioned by different officers for hours on end, returned to their cells, and then called again; this can go on for over a month. Whenever they leave their cells, they are blindfolded. Intense psychological pressure is put on them to renounce their faith. There are many reports of prisoners in this block being tortured. During the time of interrogation no contact with family members is allowed. Iranian churches held a day of prayer and fasting for Christian prisoners last Sunday and encourage us all to persevere in intercession for the suffering church in Iran. Pray: for God's power to be revealed through these believers' ordeal, making them strong spiritually, emotionally and physically. (Gal.2:20&Ps.29:11)
Iran: Plight of religious minorities
08 Aug 2013Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has voiced concern about the future for religious minorities in Iran after a fatwa, or religious edict was issued against the Baha'i community. The fatwa, or religious edict, was issued by the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khameni on 31 July. It labels Baha'i as a ‘deviant and misleading sect’ and calls on Iranians to avoid them. Baha’i has over 300,000 followers. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom puts the number of Baha'is currently being held in prison for their beliefs at 110. They suffer further discrimination in employment and learning, being excluded from further education and public sector jobs. CSW said that as ultimate power lies with the Supreme Leader it was questionable whether newly installed President Hassan Rouhani could meet his promise to rule with moderation and ensure the rights of religious minorities. The fatwa calls into question the possibility of any early improvements in the plight of all Iran's religious minorities including Christians.
Pray: for God to inspire the leadership of Iran to protect and treat minority groups fairly. (Dan.11:1)
Iran: Persecution update
09 Oct 2010
A young Iranian believer from a Muslim background died of injuries sustained when he was severely beaten by a relative. Elam Ministries report that the relative took exception to the believer’s clear commitment to Jesus. He leaves a wife and two young children. According to the Farsi Christian News Network, three of 15 believers arrested on 8th July for their faith remain detained. A number of others continue to be detained for their faith in Iran, all are under pressure to recant their faith but are refusing to do so. According to Iranian State Television in September nine believers have also been arrested in Hamedan on charges of evangelism. We can praise God that nearly five months after being released from prison, an Iranian court has acquitted Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad of all charges related to being Christians and engaging in Christian activities. Pray: that prisoners will know the presence and peace of Jesus, remain clearly committed and fulfil the Father's purposes for their lives. (Ps.23:3-5) More: htp://www.givengain.com/cgi-bin/giga.cgi?cmd=cause_dir_cause&cause_id=%20%20%201489
Iran: Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani
14 Oct 2011There have been developments in Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani’s situation, whose death sentence for apostasy was upheld in court hearings in late September. First, his lawyer has been informed that the case is being referred to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Second, a reliable source reported on Wednesday 11th October that the Supreme Court announced it would be willing to consider a further appeal. These are unusual developments in Iran's legal system, and are likely to further delay the issuing of a written verdict following the most recent hearing.
Pray: for an end of uncertainty and for Pastor Yousef’s death sentence to be revoked and conviction overturned. (Mic.6:8)
More: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/10/10/3198918/religious-freedom-and-a-astor.html