Iran is at a crossroads. Its people are struggling under heavy oppression, yet a quiet spiritual awakening is unfolding. Transform Iran is stepping in to empower the Church, reach seekers, and prepare for a revival that could change the nation.

Read the article below or watch the full podcast interview with Will Spencer and Transform Iran CEO-USA, Lana Silk.

Life Under Oppression: How Iranians Are Surviving Fear, Scarcity, and Crackdowns

Life in Iran has many challenges, but conditions have become especially harsh in recent years. Following the 12-day war that started in June 2025 targeting Iran’s nuclear program, the Iranian government intensified its crackdown on perceived dissidents. Thousands have been arrested, interrogated, and even executed, while basic resources – food, water, gas, and electricity – remain scarce.

The government’s pursuit of control is relentless.

Right now the government is heavily armed and brutal in the way that it deals with its own people. They literally open fire into crowds. A government like that that isn’t looking to protect its own citizens. There’s fear up and down the country.

Silk continues: “Thousands have been arrested in trying to figure out who the dissidents are. People can’t get to work. There’s not enough food. There’s not enough gas. Life is really, really tough.”

Amid this oppressive environment, Iranians are desperate for freedom, stability, and the chance to live meaningful lives.

Read personal accounts about life in Iran today

Spiritual Hunger in Iran: Why Many Are Turning to God

After decades of strict religious censorship and control, an unprecedented number of Iranians are disillusioned with Islam and are looking for answers. Mosques are emptying, secularism is rising, and there is a real desire for guidance and spiritual truth.

By and large, they blame their government, not religion itself. There’s secularism now, hopelessness, and a real longing to fill the God-shaped hole in our hearts.

This spiritual hunger and widespread search for truth is fueling Christian revival.

Iranian Women: No Rights, No Voice

Iranian women face even harsher daily restrictions affecting dress, employment, education, and movement.

Women live with extra restrictions. They have heard from every source for their whole lives about how unworthy they are. Women in Iran have very negligible rights. They can make very few decisions without the okay of their nearest male relative. That will be their father when they’re younger, but when they get married, that will be their husband. If he was to die, that could even be their son.

This societal treatment tells her that she is not capable of making good decisions, so a man always has to speak for her. So a big part of Transform Iran’s ministry is to address these issues of identity and worth, and help reframe in their minds how God truly sees them.

“There are so many beautiful examples in the Scriptures of Jesus at a time when women were also looked down on – the way he elevated them and honored them, the way he chose to reveal himself to women first after his resurrection. These are things that Iranian women really relate to and it’s life-changing for them.”

Read more about how Iran’s “morality police” continue to tighten the chokehold on women

Read more about our trauma counseling work

Transform Iran: A Bold Ministry Leading Christian Revival

Transform Iran is built on decades of bold ministry in challenging environments. Lana Silk’s father was imprisoned twice before the Islamic Republic for his gospel work, and his pioneering anointing has laid the foundation for a global ministry now operating in 19 countries.

Silk explains: “We’ve seen situations where the church wasn’t ready. We are working hard to make sure that when the door opens, all the tools are in place. We must be prepared to step in.”

From extensive Bible translation and digital church networks to AI-assisted ministry and secure VPN networks, Transform Iran is equipping the Church to respond effectively whenever spiritual opportunity arises.

Transform Iran’s work follows three pillars:

1. Evangelism: Digital outreach via TV, radio, social media, and websites.
2. Discipleship: Mentoring thousands of leaders and planting churches in culturally relevant ways.
3. Transformation: Ensuring the Gospel impacts communities sustainably.

Success is not about numbers; it’s about transformation in communities, connecting people to the gospel in a way that makes sense for their lives.

This holistic approach ensures ministry reaches everyone – from literate to illiterate populations, children to adults, and marginalized communities – fostering authentic and sustainable Christian revival in Iran.

Censorship Sparks Curiosity and Drives Christian Revival in Iran

“The enemy is scared of the true destiny of Iran. God has called this nation to be a blessing, and the work of Bible translation and revival is preparing the way,” Lana Silk explains.

Strict government censorship is actually catalyzing spiritual curiosity and Christian revival.

The revival currently growing in Iran is concentrated mainly among Farsi speakers, less than half of the population. However, more than 55% of Iranians speak other languages, many of whom remain largely unreached and have little knowledge of Jesus or the gospel. This represents a significant opportunity for the Church to expand its reach.

The government does speak against Christianity, sometimes very publicly. They’ll announce things like, ‘If someone gives you this Christian book, don’t read it – it’s really bad for you.’ You’d think they’d realize that warnings like this only spark curiosity.

Read more about Transform Iran’s Bible translation work

Get Involved: Support Christian Revival and the Church in Iran

You can engage with Transform Iran’s mission in meaningful ways:

• Pray Informed: Sign up to our monthly newsletter and visit the Learn section on Transform Iran’s website for stories, ministry updates, and guidance on how to pray for the Church and people of Iran.
• Volunteer: Contribute your skills in IT, media, digital outreach, or ministry support.
• Support Projects: Help fund initiatives such as secure VPN access, Bible translation, trauma counseling, and church planting.
• Advocate: Educate your community and raise awareness about Iran’s challenges and Transform Iran’s work.

You will be blessed to be involved in what is happening here right now in Iran. Pray, advocate, support, and see God move.

The Future of Iran: A Nation Poised for Christian Revival

Transform Iran envisions a future of spiritual and social transformation. When freedom comes, believers will be equipped, communities will flourish, and the gospel will continue spreading without delay.

“Imagine if the influence Iran currently uses for destruction was turned for good – it could shift the entire Middle East and inspire revival worldwide,” Lana Silk says.

With global support, the Church in Iran stands ready to step into this historic moment and participate in a Christian revival that could transform not just the nation, but the region.

Watch the Full Podcast

Dive deeper into Iran’s realities, Transform Iran’s pioneering heritage, and the opportunities for spiritual awakening in the full conversation between Will Spencer and Lana Silk.

Interview originally published on: Will Spencer Podcast