PRESS RELEASE

Transform Iran President and CEO on the Human Cost in Iran and What Comes Next

GLENDALE, CA., February 28, 2026 — On February 28, U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes described by Israeli officials as a preventive operation aimed at neutralizing imminent threats and degrading Iran’s military capabilities, marking a significant escalation in long-standing tensions in the region.

In response, Lana Silk, President and CEO of Transform Iran, a long-established Iranian-led Christian ministry and humanitarian organization actively serving people in Iran, joined CBN on this breaking news this morning, reflecting the following statement:

“This was inevitable and sadly necessary. No one wants the loss of life, but the loss of life was continuing—and likely at much higher numbers than a targeted, decisive war will deliver.

While every innocent life lost is a tragedy, we must recognize that the Iranian people have endured 47 years of systemic brutality under this regime, particularly worsened in recent weeks. Tens of thousands have died, and many more have been traumatized. There is no ‘normal’ in the way this government deals with its own people.

This was a situation that was impossible for Iranians to take any further without outside help. They welcome intervention by the West and have pleaded for it for a long time.

Notably, it is simplistic to think the people can instantly take over their government. The trauma they’ve endured is unfathomable, and we must recognize the cost they have already borne. Real change will require both external action and internal courage.

For the regime, there is a very ideological mindset, not swayed even by the survival of its own people. Framed as a holy war for decades, this kind of rigidity cannot be underestimated. Yet we are seeing signs of moral fracture within the system. We have been praying for moral courage—for those given wicked instructions to stand up and say, ‘No more.’ We are seeing those prayers answered.

We welcome a regime change in Iran, and we are poised and ready with a strategic plan to move in when the time comes. For decades we have been training and preparing evangelists and pastors for this moment. Now our team is poised for action—to bring the powerful love of God to the hurting people of Iran. Right now, we encourage the West to pray. With God’s help, we will proclaim good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim the year of the favor of the Lord (Isaiah 61) for Iran. Our hope is not destruction, but restoration.”

Transform Iran stands with the Iranian people, committed and ready to implement a detailed spiritual, emotional and practical support strategy during this critical time in the nation’s history, where more than 50,000 have been incarcerated, and likely more than 50,000 also killed, since protests began on December 28, 2025.

Founders of the ministry Lazarus and Maggie Yeghnazar, who were led by God to leave Iran in 1988 with a mandate to prepare believers for a future return, reflect on the current moment, stating the following:

Time and events in the Middle East are moving fast. We have been faithfully engaged in preparing the saints for 38 years. Now the time has come.

As events continue to unfold, including uncertainty surrounding potential statements from Iran’s highest leadership, Transform Iran remains committed to prayer, preparation and tangible support for the people of Iran.

About Transform Iran

For more than 35 years, Transform Iran has served on the front lines of the Iranian Diaspora, sharing the love of Christ, training leaders and providing aid to the persecuted. Transform Iran has a unique position in the Middle East, striving to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of many Iranians. Transform Iran also provides humanitarian relief, including emergency food and shelter, medical care and legal help for asylum, among other forms of practical aid to Iranians who have been forced to leave their country. For more information, visit transformiran.com.

Press Contact: Victoria Johnson, A. Larry Ross Communications, 972-267-1111, Victoria@alarryross.com