As the Iran war dominates global headlines—with analysis focused on the United States, Israel, and shifting geopolitical power—one critical story is being largely overlooked: the reality facing millions of Christians inside Iran.

In a special edition of The Will Spencer Podcast, host Will Spencer speaks with Lana Silk, CEO of Transform Iran, to uncover what is really happening on the ground. Drawing on direct insight from ministry networks inside the country, Silk shares a sobering picture of escalating violence, severe persecution and a deepening humanitarian crisis—alongside an extraordinary rise in spiritual hunger and faith.

While political narratives compete for attention, this conversation reveals a different perspective: the lived experience of believers navigating war, repression, and risk—and the urgent opportunity for the global Church to respond.

Persecution Intensifies Amid Political Upheaval

As global headlines focus on geopolitics, a critical reality is being overlooked: the fate of an estimated three million Christians inside Iran.

Nationwide protests—spanning all 31 provinces—have triggered one of the most brutal crackdowns in the country’s modern history. What began as economic unrest quickly escalated into a full-scale uprising against the regime.

The response was devastating.

Thousands were killed in the streets, in hospitals and even in their homes. Many more were imprisoned and tortured. And for Christians—already living under severe restrictions—the danger only intensified.

The government were really brutal. I would not be surprised if more than 50,000 people will be declared dead for that time period. This is separate from the war. We think that it could easily be 30,000 that were killed in just two nights on the 8th and 9th of January. It was indiscriminate. The vast majority were just killed point blank in the streets, shooting into crowds, killing people in hospitals who were getting treatment, raiding people’s homes and killing them if they found signs of injuries that showed that they’d been in the protests. Those who were captured and imprisoned have been through the most unimaginable torture and suffering.

A Humanitarian Crisis

As military strikes and internal crackdowns collide, ordinary Iranians are trapped in a worsening humanitarian disaster.

Families cannot safely leave their homes. Many are unable to work, earn income, or access basic necessities. Hospitals are no longer safe. Infrastructure is damaged. Fear is constant.

They can’t get out to earn a living. They can’t get to hospitals. It really is being stuck between a rock and a hard place. People tell us that they are more afraid of what their own government will do to them than what America or Israel might do.

Even in wartime, the regime continues to arrest, torture and execute its own people.

Give now to help provide urgent food and aid to families struggling to survive

The Regime’s Unyielding Drive for Total Control

The Iranian regime seeks total control. As a Shiite Islamic government, Iran enforces Sharia law to the point of death.

The regime is far from gone, despite Western media suggesting otherwise. Its leadership is deeply entrenched, with networks determined to see it survive. While some top figures—around 50—have been removed, much work remains.

The regime’s stated goals extend beyond Iran: to eliminate Israel and the United States and to challenge Western civilization itself.

From 1979, Khomeini, Iran’s first supreme leader, made clear that exporting the revolution globally was the priority, a vision repeated by his successors. For the regime, the Iranian people’s suffering is secondary to achieving these objectives.

Christians Face Targeted and Systematic Persecution

For Iranian Christians, the cost of faith is profound.

Under Iranian law, converting from Islam to Christianity is punishable by death. While not always enforced publicly, the threat remains constant—alongside arrests, fines, torture and execution.

Believers must constantly guard their communications, their devices and even their relationships. If discovered, the consequences can be severe.

Even recognized Christian minorities are not exempt. Armenian and Assyrian Christians are only permitted to practice within strict limits—and face punishment if they share their faith with others.

If they have invited Muslims into their meetings, they’re punished by death. If they’ve held meetings in Farsi, then they’re also punished by death and we’ve had many martyred for that reason. During this war especially, there has been a lot of personal loss across our ministry. Our team have all lost loved ones and people they have been discipling in the country. Some are unaccounted for. So, it’s very real and raw for us.

As surveillance increases, many Christians are withdrawing from support networks simply to avoid detection—leading to deep isolation within the underground church.

Spiritual Hunger Is Rising Across Iran

Despite severe repression, something remarkable is happening.

Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, an unprecedented and growing number of Iranians have become disillusioned with the regime—and are actively searching for truth.

Many are exploring different belief systems. While atheism is rising, most Iranians remain deeply spiritual and open to God.

The harder life gets, the more people are looking elsewhere. Iranians believe that God is real.

This has created a critical window: people are open—but they need to hear the gospel clearly and safely.

“How can they believe if they have not heard?”

AI and Media Are Expanding Gospel Reach

In one of the world’s most restricted environments, innovation is unlocking new ways to reach people.

While internet access is often limited, Transform Iran utilizes multiple channels to share the gospel:

• Satellite TV
• 24/7 radio broadcasts
• Secure digital platforms
• VPN-supported access

And now, a groundbreaking new tool is accelerating this work.

Kairos, an AI-powered biblically-rooted discipleship and evangelism platform, allows users to ask personal questions anonymously and receive biblically grounded answers in real time.

Kairos helps people engage personally with their questions without having to feel exposed.

The impact has been immediate. With over 130,000 app downloads in the first three weeks, Kairos is already being used in 138 countries and 256 languages.

One woman sent over 140 messages in a week—seeking help for her broken marriage. Through Kairos, she found healing, restoration and renewed faith.

She shared a lot of deep personal pain and struggle. Kairos counseled her in a phenomenal way, gave her step-by-step instructions, helped her understand the difference between conviction and condemnation, helped her understand how to deal with guilt and shame, where to repent, where to protect her heart. Kairos also led her to take practical steps like speaking with her pastor and going to therapy. And the end result was a restored marriage.

Read how Kairos brings truth and hope to those who cannot access it freely

Read how a seeker inside Iran found Christ through Kairos

A Church That Cannot Be Stopped

Despite pressure, persecution and war, the Church in Iran is not shrinking—it is growing.

Believers continue to share the gospel courageously, often at great personal cost. Underground networks are adapting and ministry continues through every available means. Even when one method is shut down, another expands.

There are millions of Christians in Iran today. The church is alive and well. If you stop one ministry channel, then another really thrives.

What Comes Next: Uncertainty and Hope

While some suggest the regime is finished, the reality is more complex. It remains deeply entrenched, and the future is uncertain.

Most Iranians are hoping for a secular democracy—where freedom allows people to choose their beliefs without fear.

For Christians, that freedom is key.

The word of God is powerful and effective. And what matters is that there’s freedom to access it and to respond as you choose to.

Looking ahead, Silk shared her belief that Iran will one day become a nation that sends missionaries—blessing the region and beyond.

Iran is going to be a real blessing to the nations.

How You Can Help Right Now

This is a pivotal moment—for Iran and for the Church.

You can make a real difference.

1. Give Urgently

Provide food and essential aid to families in crisis through our trusted, legal channels.

2. Pray Boldly

This is not only a political conflict—it is a spiritual battle.

This is a spiritual war, first and foremost.

Pray informed. Pray for:

• Protection for believers
• Provision for families
• Courage for the Church
• Transformation—even among Iran’s leaders

3. Stay Informed and Share

Help amplify the truth about what is happening inside Iran.

Interview originally published on: The Will Spencer Podcast