Amid Iran’s political upheaval and Khamenei’s succession, Transform Iran’s President & CEO Lana Silk reveals how the underground church is growing. Supernatural encounters are drawing thousands to Christ, and ministry strategies are adapting to a humanitarian crisis. In interviews with Fox News, CBN World News, Charisma Magazine, K-Love Radio, KLYT Radio, and The Lion, Silk describes a nation experiencing both deep humanitarian crisis and one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world.

Despite intense political turmoil, acts of war, government surveillance and persecution, millions of Iranians are exploring Christianity, joining underground fellowships, and encountering Jesus through digital ministry platforms. At the same time, protests, leadership struggles, and economic collapse are reshaping the country’s future. Amid these dangers, the underground church is not only surviving; it is expanding in ways few outside Iran can imagine.

Many will say Iran is the fastest-growing church in the world today. But this revival is happening in one of the most hostile environments imaginable.

The following highlights from Silk’s media appearances offer a closer look at Iran’s humanitarian situation, the growth of the underground church and the hopes many Iranians hold for the country’s future.

Faith Under Fire: Iranian Believers Risk Everything

In a powerful appearance on Fox News with Kayleigh McEnany, Silk described both the personal and national cost of faith inside Iran.

Growing up under the Islamic Republic, she recalls the daily pressure to conform — chanting slogans at school, navigating religious restrictions, and witnessing the consequences faced by those who dared to challenge the regime.

Yet even under these conditions, faith continues to spread.

When they see who Jesus really is; they are happy to follow Him to the end.

Christians in Iran face surveillance, imprisonment, and sometimes execution for their faith. Yet the underground church continues to grow because believers are deeply committed.

Silk’s reflections on personal faith under pressure naturally extend into a broader analysis of Iran’s political turbulence and what it means for believers nationwide.

Iran in Turmoil: Church Faces Political Upheaval

In her interview with CBN World News host George Thomas, Silk explained how Iran’s political turmoil is intersecting with the spiritual movement happening across the country.

Many Iranians protesting government policies understand the risks they face.

The people have confronted the authorities so aggressively that they know the repercussions will be greater than ever.

At the same time, leadership instability has raised new questions about Iran’s future. Silk cautions that immediate political changes may not produce better outcomes, but removing entrenched leadership gradually increases the possibility of reform.

“The immediate replacement is unlikely to be better. But as more of the very top leadership is removed, we stand a better chance.”

She highlighted the theological motivations behind the regime and its deep geopolitical ambitions, framing Iran’s oppression within both spiritual and strategic contexts.

She also pointed to the potential role of Reza Pahlavi and a referendum that could allow Iranians to choose their own leaders — something the country has not experienced in decades.

While leadership struggles dominate headlines, the spiritual heartbeat of Iran tells a different story: one of courage, supernatural encounters, and a faith that refuses to be silenced.

Revival Amid Persecution

Silk shared with K‑LOVE radio her personal perspective on the depth of Iranian believers’ faith:

There’s no lukewarm in the church in Iran. Even before they choose to follow Him, when they’re just seeking, they know what it’s going to take. They go in eyes open and commit wholeheartedly.

Sharing some of her own story, news of their martyred friend and pastor reached her on the day of her baptism as a young teen. “And I remember then God saying to me, ‘You know what you’ve just done? This is what it’s about. I’m inviting you to an all in, all or nothing kind of faith following me.“

Silk shared how decades of faithful preparation are bearing fruit today. She emphasized that Transform Iran’s founders, vision, and international team have been strategically equipping the church, training leaders, translating Bibles, and building systems, so when doors open in Iran, the church will be ready to move boldly and effectively for the gospel. “We have been preparing diligently for 35 years for an open Iran. And we have some really good plans and processes and teams in place ready to go and do some really exciting things for God.”

The revival is not just numerical. Many Muslims-turned-believers encounter Christ through visions, dreams, or digital discipleship tools, highlighting the supernatural dimension of this movement.

Supernatural Encounters Fuel Revival

In a conversation with Charisma Media, Silk shared firsthand stories of Iranian believers drawn to Christ through supernatural encounters: dreams, visions, and divine interventions. She emphasized how God is “on the offensive,” drawing people to Himself despite the regime’s efforts to control communication and faith:

It feels so often that we’re just playing catch-up with the Holy Spirit — making sure people have access to the gospel, in the right languages, in ways they can understand and connect to.

Silk explained that new believers often experience profound personal transformation under immense risk. Many come to faith after miraculous encounters:

“We get calls from people saying, ‘Jesus appeared to me in my dreams, healed my cancer, restored my marriage, or freed me from addiction. Now what do I do?’”

To protect themselves, converts learn discretion, digital ministry participation, and mentorship through Transform Iran’s network, connecting with the underground and digital church communities while growing in their faith.

This growing revival, however, exists alongside profound human need. Spiritual breakthroughs are intertwined with hunger, displacement, and trauma affecting millions of Iranians.

The Humanitarian and Refugee Reality

Speaking with KLYT, Silk described the humanitarian crisis gripping Iran: families struggling for food and medical care, widespread psychological trauma, and growing desperation among those persecuted. No one is left untouched by government persecution, especially in the past two months. Strategic ministry plans — years in the making — are now in final stages, with activation expected within weeks or months. Prayer for wisdom and financial resources was specifically requested.

Iran’s geopolitical isolation was also highlighted — attacking eight countries including American military bases as a first response alienated potential regional sympathizers, deepening its separation from the broader Middle East. 

Testimonies of moral courage among Iranian authorities were shared, including one of an IRGC agent who stood down from deploying toxic tear gas after a police officer pushed back. 

She also outlined refugee movements:

A small number with means are fleeing north to Armenia, while Turkey has been actively deporting Iranian refugees. If the regime falls, we anticipate a reverse flow, with 5–6 million diaspora members eager to return.

To meet both physical and spiritual needs, Transform Iran is innovating ways to connect with believers safely, blending traditional mentorship with cutting-edge digital tools.

AI Tools Fuel Underground Church

Transform Iran’s most recent innovation Kairos launched in summer 2025, an AI-powered discipleship and apologetics tool, enables anonymous and scalable gospel conversations where even seeking to understand more about Christ is high-risk. Silk shared a striking testimony:

One man, who had never met a Christian, engaged with our AI tool, Kairos, asked questions through it, and ultimately gave his life to the Lord. It’s amazing how God is reaching people even in the most restricted environments.

This digital infrastructure complements in-person mentorship, discipleship programs, and safe regional training centers, helping new believers navigate a high-risk faith journey.

Even as these tools reach hearts in high-risk environments, Silk emphasizes that the church’s response to political change must remain measured and morally grounded.

Hope Beyond Leadership Change

In The Lion (Herzog Foundation) audio interview, Silk offered context to Iran’s current situation and its historical role in the greater Middle East. She was asked whether it was a good thing that the Ayatollah had died. She reminded the audience that it is never a godly response to celebrate the death of a person, particularly a sinner who never repented:

It is a tragedy all round; he did terrible wicked things, caused an unimaginable amount of suffering, he never repented or made right what he had taken from people; he will now face eternal judgement. But there is no hiding the fact that it is good for Iran, good for the Iranian people, and good for the rest of the world that he is no longer in charge.

“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!” — Ezekiel 33:11

When asked whether the new leader will be any better, Silk responded cautiously: the immediate replacement is unlikely to be better, but as more of the top leadership is removed, the chances for positive change grow. She emphasized that the real hope lies in Reza Pahlavi returning, forming the transitional government he has been preparing, and running a referendum so the Iranian people can choose their own leaders.

Beyond understanding politics and spiritual movements, international Christians are invited to play a vital role through prayer and strategic support.

How to Pray and Support Iranians

This is a pivotal moment for those tracking the region. Christians worldwide are invited to watch, pray, and participate in a revival that has quietly but powerfully taken root. Silk emphasizes the role of international Christians in prayer and strategic support:

This is our fight too, on our knees. Your prayers fuel revival, and your support equips ministries to sustain believers and reach the unreached.

Transform Iran provides clear guidance for global believers to participate:

• Pray: Intercede for protection, courage, spiritual growth and the revival in Iran
• Support financially: Enable ministry programs, digital discipleship and humanitarian aid
• Sign up for the ministry’s monthly newsletter for trusted updates from Iran, strategic prayer points, and resources to engage with the ministry

“This is an exciting journey. God is moving, and every prayer and act of support contributes to what He is accomplishing in Iran.”