Amid escalating conflict and uncertainty in Iran, a deeper story is unfolding – one that is not only political but profoundly prophetic. From life under the oppressive Iranian regime to the rapid growth of the underground church, leaders with firsthand insight say this moment carries historic spiritual significance for the Middle East.

In a recent episode of Hope For Our Times, Pastor Tom Hughes spoke with Hooman Khalili and Lazarus Yeghnazar about the shocking realities in Iran, the rising hunger for freedom, the role of women in the resistance, and the prophetic opportunities unfolding for the global Church.

The Shocking Reality Under the Iranian Regime

Lazarus Yeghnazar, Founder of Transform Iran, who was born and raised in Iran, shared his firsthand experience of life under the regime.

These are not ordinary rulers. They see themselves as emissaries of Allah on earth. Anyone who questions them is considered insubordinate. They maim, rape, and murder. The brutality is beyond what the Western world can comprehend.

He recounted the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini 47 years ago and the rapid transformation of Iran, emphasizing that persecution has historically been a catalyst for spiritual awakening.

“Within a year or two, thousands began coming to Christ. Today, estimates suggest over 2 million Iranians are born again. Iran has the fastest-growing church in the world.”

For decades, Iranians have endured censorship, violence, and a system built on unquestionable authority. In Islam, questioning authority is often forbidden, which makes the contrast with Christianity striking; Christians are called to seek, question and grow in truth. Yet God is turning hearts even in the darkest places.

Women at the Frontlines of Resistance

Hooman Khalili, an artist and ministry partner, highlighted the extraordinary growth of the underground church, noting the central role women are playing:

This is an entirely woman-led revolution. Women are the pastors, the doctors, the leaders of underground movements. They are the real superheroes of Iran.

The underground church has persisted despite government violence, often at a deadly cost. Lazarus added:

“Over 20 Christian doctors and nurses in our ministry group have been murdered while helping the wounded. They were not protesting; they were serving. And yet the regime attacked them mercilessly.”

Khalili notes that the movement is not only spiritual but symbolic. His murals honoring fallen young women like 16-year-old Nika Shakarami and 19-year-old Diana ‘Baby Rider’ represent courage, hope and divine justice. “Every mural is a call to arms – spiritually, morally and prophetically. We are highlighting real-life Esther and Deborah figures in Iran who are leading the underground church forward.”

Women are stepping into roles the enemy never intended and God is using them to fulfill His prophetic plans in Persia.

Persia and Israel: A Historic Biblical Connection

The conversation emphasized that understanding Iran requires recognizing both its political reality and prophetic significance. The Persian people have deep connections to Israel and the Bible, including King Cyrus’s decree to rebuild the temple.

The underground revival also ties back to ancient biblical prophecies. The Bible repeatedly highlights Persia as a key part of God’s plan. Both Yeghnazar and Khalili point to passages in Jeremiah 49:38 and Daniel 11, noting that the “throne of judgment” is set in Elam (modern-day Iran), paralleling Jerusalem as the throne of redemption.

God is working in Iran as He has always done – with a divine timetable. The Persian people and Israel share a unique biblical relationship, and what we are witnessing now is a continuation of that story. There are also only two demons named in the Bible – Lucifer and the Prince of Persia. The spiritual battle we see today is a continuation of that cosmic struggle.

The Spiritual Battle and the Call to the Global Church

The conversation emphasized how the global church must understand the spiritual warfare behind Iran’s current events, recognizing that every act of prayer and support is part of God’s prophetic plan.

Yeghnazar stressed that prayer must be informed and coupled with preparation:

Praying without preparation is catastrophic. The church must be informed of Satan’s craftiness and be ready to act when doors open.

“We are not asking for war; we are asking the church to rise, to pray and to prepare,” he continued. “Pray informed. Pray strategic. Millions of Iranians are ready for the gospel; now it’s up to us to help prepare the way for the greatest harvest the Iranian church has ever seen.”

How Believers Can Support Iran’s Revival

Transform Iran is mobilizing believers worldwide to support the underground church, offering prayer resources, educational material, and outreach opportunities. Through platforms like Transform Iran and their pioneering Kairos AI-powered discipleship tool, Christians can stay informed, equip themselves spiritually and join in the mission to see Iran transformed in the image of Christ.

Yeghnazar predicts:

We need tens of thousands of foot soldiers to enter Iran, heal the wounds, bless the people and help revive the nation. The day will come when thousands of missionaries from Iran walk to Turkey, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia to share the Good News. Satan may have reigned for decades, but victory is already secured in Christ.

Hope Rising Amid Conflict

Despite violence and oppression, both Yeghnazar and Khalili emphasized the hope present in Iran. “The majority of Iranians are jubilant. They see a real chance for liberation and revival. God is moving in ways the world cannot yet see.”

Yeghnazar concluded that the spiritual battle is ongoing but the greatest harvest lies ahead:

Satan is a loser and will lose badly. Our hope is in divine change. Every prayer, every act of faith, every prophetic insight is unlocking the door for revival. God’s plan is unstoppable.

Interview originally published on: Hope For Our Times