As Iran continues to dominate global headlines—with protests, violent crackdowns and escalating conflict—the reality inside the country is both more devastating and more complex than many realize.

In this voice podcast with Release International, Lazarus Yeghnazar, Founder of Transform Iran, offers a rare, deeply personal perspective. Drawing on decades of connection to the country and its underground church, he described a nation under immense pressure—but also one experiencing an extraordinary spiritual shift.

“This Is Not a Crackdown—This Is Brutality”

International reports have described a “strong crackdown” on protests. Yeghnazar is clear: that language doesn’t go far enough.

He describes what is happening as “completely barbaric”—with young people, students and even medical workers caught in the violence. Some of the most sobering accounts are not of protesters, but of those trying to help them.

Doctors and nurses have been arrested or even killed simply for treating the wounded. In one case, a Christian worker was shot at point-blank range—not for protesting, but for helping the wounded.

This, he explains, reflects something deeper than political unrest. It is a system that views dissent—any dissent—as a threat to be eliminated.

A Nation Under Long-Term Pressure

The protests did not come out of nowhere. They are the result of years of repression, inequality and mounting frustration—particularly among young people.

This is not just about political control. It is about a regime that sees the nation as something it owns.

The consequences are severe. Tens of thousands have reportedly been killed in the crackdowns, with many more imprisoned. Horrific stories continue to emerge of teenagers subjected to abuse and trauma in detention.

The situation cannot be understood simply as a ‘moment of unrest’.

Conflict, Suffering—and a Divided Response

Speaking about the recent conflict, Yeghnazar uses a striking analogy: this has been a long-growing cancer that now requires urgent, painful intervention.

He does not celebrate destruction. But he explains why some Iranians, particularly those who have suffered under decades of repression, see events differently than outside observers do.

For many, the issue is not about politics or geopolitics—it is about survival. It is about removing what he describes as the forces “choking the nation”.

At the same time, the humanitarian impact is undeniable. Civilians are caught in the fallout. Fear, instability, and scarcity are quickly escalating.

The Church: Visible Faith Comes at a Cost

For Christians in Iran, persecution is not theoretical—it is deeply practical.

Yeghnazar explains it simply: faith itself may be tolerated, but visible faith is not.

You can be a Christian quietly. But the moment you begin to share your faith, disciple others, or baptize new believers, you step into risk. He reflects on Jesus’ teaching about being salt and light—and how that plays out in Iran today. Believers are, in effect, told: be salt, but don’t be too salty; be light, but don’t shine too brightly.

The reality is that when faith becomes visible—when it begins to transform others—that is when opposition comes.

And yet, this is exactly why the Church in Iran continues to grow.

A Forgotten Story: The Missionaries Who Came Before

Long before today’s underground church, Iran was shaped by generations of Christian missionaries.

They built hospitals, schools, and served communities across the country—often at great personal cost. Many spent their entire lives there and are buried in Iranian soil.

And yet, for all their sacrifice, there was little visible fruit at the time. After more than a century of work, there were only a few hundred known believers from a Muslim background.

Yeghnazar explains that later the regime falsely accused these same missionaries of being foreign spies.

They came, not for politics or power, but to serve.

And their legacy is only now being fully realised.

From a Handful of Believers to a Growing Movement

What has happened in recent decades is remarkable. From just a few hundred believers, the number of Christians in Iran has grown to well over a million.

This growth has not followed typical patterns. It has not been driven primarily by public evangelism or institutional expansion. Instead, many Iranians are encountering Jesus personally—often before ever speaking to another Christian.

Yeghnazar describes how dreams and visions are playing a significant role. Across the country, people from different backgrounds—Muslims, those struggling with addiction, those in crisis—are reporting encounters with Christ.

It is quiet. It is personal. But it is widespread. And it is reshaping the spiritual landscape of the nation.

Preparing for What Comes Next

While much of the world is focused on the present crisis, for decades Transform Iran has been looking ahead.

There is a growing awareness that if the country opens—whether gradually or suddenly—the needs will be immense. Trauma runs deep. Families are fractured. Addiction, poverty, and emotional wounds affect millions.

Yeghnazar speaks about years of active planning: how to provide counseling, how to support recovery, how to rebuild lives and communities.

The vision is not just evangelism, but restoration. Not just survival, but healing.

Read how Pearl of Persia brings healing and restoration to those overcoming trauma, addiction and abuse

A Future That Impacts the World

Despite everything, Yeghnazar remains convinced that Iran’s story is not finished.

He believes the country will open—one way or another. And when it does, the Church will not only grow internally but begin to send outward.

There is a vision of Iranian believers becoming missionaries—carrying their faith into other nations, including parts of the world where the Church has grown comfortable or quiet.

It is a striking reversal: from one of the most repressed environments to a source of renewal.

A Call to Pray—and Stand Together

The needs in Iran are urgent. This is a moment of both crisis and opportunity.

Christians face pressure and uncertainty. Families are struggling with basic provision, especially as instability affects daily life. Access to food, medical care and safety is not guaranteed.

And yet, there is resilience. There is courage. And there is faith.

Believers around the world can be active in response:

• Pray for protection, provision and boldness for believers. Pray for change—even within leadership. Pray for wisdom as ministries respond in a time of growing need.
• Stay informed with real updates from inside Iran—sign up for our monthly newsletter.
• Give to help provide urgent humanitarian support, trauma care and Gospel-centered discipleship.

And for those watching from the outside, it is an invitation—not just to be informed, but to be involved.

Originally published on: Release International