Millions of Iranians are flooding the streets in what many believe could be the most decisive uprising in the nation’s modern history. From Tehran to Isfahan, across all 31 provinces, chants calling for the end of the Islamic Republic and “death to the dictator” are echoing through cities despite mass arrests, killings, and internet shutdowns.

In this broadcast on Christian World News, Transform Iran CEO Lana Silk joined CBN’s Wendy Griffith to speak candidly about the growing protests, worsening economic conditions, intensified persecution, and the powerful advance of the gospel across Iran.

Nationwide Protests Signal a Regime Under Threat

From Isfahan to Tehran, and across all 31 provinces, millions of Iranians are calling for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. Protesters chant “death to the dictator,” attack symbols of regime control, and confront security forces, including the Basij, the regime’s feared shock troops.

According to reports, more than 2,000 protesters have been arrested and dozens killed. In an attempt to smother the uprising, the government has shut down internet access nationwide. During these blackouts, reports of massacres by regime forces have begun to surface.

Despite this, momentum appears to be growing. Calls to action from Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi have galvanized crowds, with chants declaring, “This is the final battle“, signaling a belief that the regime’s days may be numbered.

“The People Are Daring to Believe”

Asked whether Iranians believe the regime could finally fall, Lana Silk responded with measured hope.

The people are daring to believe. The language is more confident, more expectant. People seem to be thinking, ‘This is the last push. Let’s go for it.’

She pointed to the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini and the renewed unrest after the recent 12-day war involving Israel and the U.S. as moments that awakened hope, but noted that today’s protests feel broader and more resolute.

Economic Collapse Fuels the Uprising

At the heart of the protests lies a crushing economic reality. While Iran is rich in oil and natural resources, everyday people are struggling to survive. Silk explained:

“Iran is not a poor country. There is a potential for an excellent life for Iranian people. But there’s been mismanagement and corruption, and the war was the last straw.”

Instead of turning inward to help citizens recover from war damage – rebuilding businesses and infrastructure – the regime has redirected resources back into military spending. As a result, families are struggling to put food on the table.

“They’ve had enough,” Silk said plainly.

Hope Rising Beneath the Chaos: Christianity in Iran Grows

While the headlines focus on unrest and repression, a quieter revolution is unfolding.

Despite decades of persecution, the number of Iranians turning to Jesus continues to grow, year after year, at an accelerating pace. What began as a small movement decades ago has multiplied dramatically, with more people open to the gospel than ever before.

This spiritual awakening is not happening in safety or comfort. Iranian Christians face constant risk, yet they continue to share their faith boldly, person to person, often at great personal cost. Silk said:

They’re so bold and so excited to bring this life-giving word to their brothers and sisters who are struggling. There’s so much hopelessness, anxiety, and depression – and when they have the words of Jesus, they don’t want to keep it to themselves.

From outside the country, Transform Iran supports this witness through satellite television, radio, social media, apps, and digital discipleship, ensuring that seekers can find the truth of Jesus even during internet shutdowns and surveillance.

Persecution Intensifies as the Regime Grows Fearful

As protests escalate, so does persecution – particularly against Christians, who are routinely accused of being traitors or foreign agents.

“When the government gets angry or scared, the people they blame are the Zionists,” Silk explained. “That means Christians and Jews.”

Following the war in June, the regime intensified efforts to identify dissidents and alleged collaborators. Christians, already vulnerable under Iranian law—where leaving Islam is punishable by death—are being hunted, imprisoned, and silenced.

“They want to wipe out the Christians,” Silk said. “They’ve made no secret of that.”

Preparing for an Open Iran

In the midst of this uncertainty, Silk shared her vision as she prepares to step into her new role as President and CEO of Transform Iran.

I’ve always said our role as a ministry is to prepare for an open Iran – and that continues.

That preparation includes readiness to move quickly with humanitarian aid, church infrastructure, Bible distribution, pastoral training, long-term discipleship and more.

“We’re expecting an open Iran imminently,” Silk said. “We need to be ready to step in when the doors open.”

How to Pray for Iran Right Now

Lana offered clear and urgent prayer points:

Pray for strength and courage
Iran’s church is not weak or hidden. Believers understand the cost of following Jesus and are willing to pay it. Pray they remain steadfast.

Pray for wisdom
That Christians would take wise steps as they share the gospel amid danger and that God would guide believers in the steps they take—when to speak, when to move, and when to wait.

Pray for protection
For safety, for “blind eyes” among authorities, so believers to remain hidden and secure.

Pray for boldness and continued gospel advance
Pray that the gospel light would continue to penetrate dark places, bringing hope, healing, and salvation.

Pray for readiness for an open Iran
Ask for God’s guidance, wisdom and provision in the preparation of resources, leaders, and infrastructure so the church can respond swiftly when opportunities arise.

A Nation at a Crossroads

Iran stands at a historic crossroads. The streets are filled with protest, the regime is under pressure, and fear grips those in power. Yet hope – real, living hope – is spreading quickly from heart to heart.

No matter how events unfold politically, one thing is clear: the gospel is advancing in Iran, and nothing—not prisons, persecution, or power outages—has been able to stop it.

Originally published on: CBN News