After ceasefire, Iranian government targets its own people: Mission Network News

By Joanne Khmel

Iran (MNN) — Ceasefires are meant to bring peace; instead, the Iranian nation is facing the enraged regime’s payback.

In June, Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire after an intense exchange of fire. However, instead of bringing peace, it brought greater struggle for the Iranian people. The regime, having suffered damage to both its image and military strength, turned its focus inward. Now, they are hunting for so-called “enemies” within the State.

Lana Silk from Transform Iran says, “The Christians in Iran are under more scrutiny than ever before. The government is out for blood.”

Authorities are targeting those they believe may have helped Israel navigate its attacks on specific people or sites — and at the same time, they are looking for scapegoats to restore fear among the population. Silk says:

They are searching cars, homes, and digital content on people’s phones—some are even stopped randomly in the street. Hundreds have been arrested, not only Christians, and some have already been executed on charges of threatening national security.

Physical hardship adds another layer to the crisis. Food is growing scarce, and gas is strictly rationed. Silk describes: “Regular people are struggling to earn their living, as they depend on gas and transport. Moving money around is difficult. Day to day, survival has become a huge challenge.”

“Christians are now fighting mounting fear.”

Christians are in an especially vulnerable situation. The government considers any connection outside the country — especially to U.S.-based missions — a threat. Some ministries have had to cut ties with the local believers they were supporting, simply to protect them from possible persecution.

Silk adds, “Some are deleting all the digital data from their devices, linking them to Christian activities, in anticipation of arrest.”

Despite it all, Christians seek solace and strength in their faith in Christ. They have become a source of hope for those still walking in the darkness of despair.

“In our network, the believers are determined to stay and shine as a light on the hill in an environment that is increasingly oppressive for all citizens of Iran,” she says.

Just weeks ago, many Iranians hoped for change. Now they face even deeper distress — and need our earnest prayers.

Pray that as Transform Iran works to help Iranians, they will have the means and ways to do so safely.

Silk urges:

Pray for [their] courage. Pray for the perfect love of Jesus Christ to cast out all fear. Pray for the joy of the Lord to be their strength. Pray for practical provision. Pray for regime change.

Header photo: representative photo of Iranian police (photo courtesy of Alireza Heidarpour via Pexels)

Inset photo: Representative photo courtesy of Kindel Media via Pexels

Originally published on: Mission Network News