Since early January 2026, Iran has faced intense protests, heavy repression and growing instability. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, marking the beginning of a wider conflict. Iran responded with strikes against Israel, U.S. military bases and other targets across the region. Against this backdrop of conflict, longstanding economic pressure and continued repression, ordinary Iranians are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis.

On 8 April, after 40 days of war, a conditional ceasefire between the United States and Iran brought a temporary pause in the fighting.

Ordinarily, a ceasefire would bring relief and stability. But for many inside Iran, it brought disappointment rather than resolution. The situation left a harsh regime still in place—widely known for severe repression, abuses and violent crackdowns against its own people—able to regroup with renewed resolve. What remained was a wounded but defiant leadership, and a people facing growing fear, uncertainty and a loss of hope for meaningful change.

By the end of August, six months into the conflict, the hoped-for resolution had not come. Economic pressure on Iran continues to intensify through further sanctions, while the Iranian leadership remains defiant. For ordinary Iranians, the result is continued war, political uncertainty, economic isolation and a deepening humanitarian crisis, leaving many families facing unthinkable choices simply to survive.

Iran’s currency remains under severe pressure, while inflation and unemployment continue to place enormous strain on families. War, sanctions and disrupted trade are compounding economic pressures that were already affecting Iranian families before the conflict began.

A Ceasefire That Brought Disappointment, Not Relief

On the same day the ceasefire was confirmed on April 8, updates were received from our networks inside Iran describing the situation on the ground.

Their words offer a clear picture of the emotional and social reality behind the headlines:

The general atmosphere after the ceasefire was not one of relief, but one of deep anxiety, fear and disappointment. Contrary to what might be assumed from the outside, many people were not distressed by the war itself as much as they were by the fact that it had been stopped.

Despite all the hardship, the sound of explosions, damage to homes, and even personal injuries suffered, many of us believed that this war might finally bring us to a point of deliverance and freedom. For that reason, the announcement of a ceasefire was not seen as a sign of comfort, but rather as the loss of a hope that had begun to form in our hearts.

Growing Fear and Uncertainty Inside the Country

I am now more afraid than ever for our future, because we don’t know what awaits after this ceasefire, and whether it will lead to even harsher and darker repression than before.

My greatest concern now, is that we may once again be forced to live under the shadow of the same regime and the same conditions, without any real change in our destiny.

In the days immediately following the ceasefire, our contacts described fear gripping the country. Ordinary people remain rarely seen in public, while the number of checkpoints has increased significantly. There is a heavy atmosphere, with forces and supporters of the regime highly visible on the streets.

Our contacts also reported fighters recruited from Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan moving through the streets on motorcycles, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, shouting slogans such as “Haydar” and “Allahu Akbar”. (Haydar is a religious Arabic word symbolising bravery and strength; it means ‘lion’).

It has also been reported that following the ceasefire confirmation, a senior Iranian judge called for expedited executions of protest detainees. Internet access remains extremely limited. Contact with teams inside the country remains brief, scattered and layered with anxiety.

Executions Escalate

By July, the rising number of executions prompted an extraordinary protest inside Ghezel Hesar Prison, Iran’s largest jail. At least 1,500 death-row prisoners joined a hunger strike after six prisoners were transferred to solitary confinement ahead of possible execution. Several men sewed their lips shut in protest.

Footage from inside the prison shows prisoners gathered in corridors holding signs calling for an end to executions. Human rights groups have warned of the accelerating use of the death penalty across Iran.

Daily Life Under Pressure: Economic and Human Cost

Even in April, the economic situation was worsening, with prices rising sharply and work becoming increasingly scarce. Many had lost their jobs. For families we heard from, the pressure had become so severe that their concerns were no longer only about security and the political future of the country, but about meeting the most basic needs of daily life.

In brief phone calls with loved ones outside the country, families described the combined pressure of medicine shortages, treatment costs, inflation, unemployment and insecurity. Essential goods have become scarce or suddenly unaffordable. Many medicines are now either unavailable or cost several times what they once did. For those with chronic illnesses, ongoing treatment has in some cases become nearly impossible.

Items once easily available are now missing or priced far beyond reach. Many families are concerned about how they will meet daily needs.

There is growing exhaustion and an increasingly unsafe atmosphere. People described unemployment, debt and the weight of constant financial strain—not only affecting livelihoods, but wearing down minds and spirits. Checkpoints have multiplied, and in some areas armed groups such as the Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi and Fatemiyoun have been seen. Beyond the visible threat, some said the atmosphere itself has created a deep sense of insecurity.

Across all these conversations, many expressed a deep concern that the suffering they have endured must not be in vain.

Desperation Deepens

The economic pressure described by our contacts in April has only become more acute.

War, sanctions, disrupted trade and longstanding economic problems continue to place enormous pressure on ordinary households. Recent reports describe families surviving on as little as one basic meal a day, often beans or rice. For many ordinary families, regular protein and dairy have become unaffordable, along with anything that might once have been considered a luxury. Daily life has been reduced to meeting the most basic needs for survival.

Perhaps one of the most disturbing visible signs of that desperation is people advertising their own kidneys for sale. Notices can be seen displaying details such as the seller’s blood type and contact information. We have even received an image of a man walking the streets carrying a handwritten advertisement offering his own kidney.

The sale of kidneys is legal within a regulated system in Iran and is not itself a new phenomenon. But against today’s deepening economic crisis, these advertisements provide a devastating picture of the desperate choices some Iranians are facing as they struggle under debt and financial hardship.

For so many Iranians, the question is no longer simply what the political future of their country will look like, but how they will survive another day.

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

A Regime Unchanged

As Lana Silk, President & CEO of Transform Iran shared with CBN News:

The Iranian regime has been playing games all along. The mistake we’ve made is imagining they’re interested in any kind of rational negotiation. The regime will not be intimidated to negotiate or retreat. It’s unthinkable to them. Their objectives are resolute. A delay for a different kind of decisive action against the regime (not its people) could be productive, but I do wonder if it’s possible to get to the final result we want without force. Each day the regime is given time for a breather is another day for them to plan more military action.

Holding on to Faith in Uncertain Days

But the story is not over yet. We continue in prayer and confidence that the Lord will have His victory and that Iran’s story will ultimately reflect the glory of God.

In times like this it is more important than ever to keep our focus on Jesus. Our faith—our hope—is not in any regime or leader or earthly power. Our faith is in Jesus Christ alone. The Church in Iran is well aware of this. Amidst the realities of the daily struggle, we hear stories of hope, faith and courage. The Church is alive and well, the lost are hearing the gospel and converts are being discipled.

No matter how chaotic the situation appears, God is faithful, sovereign and in control. He has plans to prosper and not to harm Iran. He has plans to give Iranians a hope and a future. We pray HIS will be done, on earth—and in Iran—as it is heaven. And we pray this with thanksgiving, allowing the peace of God to transcend all our understanding:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7

Please Continue to Pray for Iran

The people of Iran need your prayers and support.

In this season of prolonged conflict, growing uncertainty and deepening economic pressure, prayer remains a vital way to stand with those who are carrying fear, loss and instability on a daily basis. Pray that the millions of Iranians who have lost their hope today will hear the gospel and anchor their hope on the only One who will never disappoint. Please also pray for our teams and ongoing ministry in a complex and changing environment.

Alongside this, your practical support can help our teams on the ground to respond in real time. Work is currently underway to aid in humanitarian response, trauma counselling and the training of evangelists and missionaries to serve communities across the country—bringing care, hope and spiritual support where it is most needed.