American Evangelist Calls for Prayer Amid Rising Concerns for Iranian Christians
Amidst reports of ongoing unrest and a shifting geopolitical landscape in Iran, American evangelist Robby Dawkins is urgently calling for prayer for Christians within the country. Dawkins recently concluded a mission trip to the Middle East where he met with 25 Iranian church leaders who had traveled to Armenia for training, raising concerns about increased risks facing the Christian community as the Iranian government responds to widespread protests and international pressure. This call for prayer comes as Iran faces internal challenges and external scrutiny, prompting fears of a crackdown on religious minorities.
Dawkins, who has been involved in establishing power-evangelism schools in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan since 2019, expressed his worries about the potential for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to target leaders of the underground church. He believes that Islamic hardliners may seek to retaliate against those perceived as supporting the United States and Israel, placing Iranian Christians in a particularly vulnerable position. The situation is further complicated by reports suggesting Iran is facing a period of significant internal instability, though the extent of this collapse remains contested.
Growing Concerns for Iran’s Christian Community
The situation for Christians in Iran is already precarious. While estimates vary, some sources suggest the Christian population in Iran approaches one million people. Christian leaders have voiced their support for the recent wave of protests against the government, which have been met with a harsh response from Iranian security forces. These protests, sparked by deep-seated grievances over economic hardship and political repression, have resulted in a significant number of casualties, with tens of thousands believed to have been killed by security services since the demonstrations began in recent months. More than 200 Iranian Christian leaders have publicly declared their support for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, signaling a growing desire for regime change.
The Christian leaders’ statement, released in February 2026, accused the Iranian government of failing to protect its people and inflicting “grievous harm” on the nation. They argued that the government has lost all “moral, national and international legitimacy” due to the crimes committed since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. They are calling for national solidarity and a transition to a more responsible leadership, explicitly endorsing Crown Prince Pahlavi’s program for reform. The statement also invokes the historical figure of Cyrus the Great, a Persian king revered in the Bible for his decree allowing the Jews to return from Babylonian captivity and rebuild the Temple, drawing a parallel to a potential future of hope and freedom for Iran.
Dawkins’ Mission and Reports of Healing
Dawkins’ recent mission trip involved delivering Christian literature, including audio Bibles and translations of his own books into Farsi, as well as the “Jesus Film” and dramatizations of the gospels. He reported that church leaders and secular Iranians welcomed approximately 300 pieces of gospel media during his visit. The 25 Iranian leaders he met in Armenia had been transported from Iran specifically for biblical training, focusing on instruction about healing.
Dawkins shared a particularly poignant story of a young female leader who had been injured during protests earlier in the year, sustaining bullet wounds. She had been experiencing stomach cramps until Dawkins’ team prayed with her, after which she reported being healed, and delivered. He also noted a widespread necessitate for spiritual healing among Iranians, stating that “many Iranians are terribly plagued by demons.”
Geopolitical Context and Potential for Escalation
The situation in Iran is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions. Former President Donald Trump recently posted on social media expressing a desire for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. This statement adds to the existing pressures on Iran, which is already facing international sanctions and accusations of destabilizing the region. The potential for miscalculation and escalation remains high, particularly given the involvement of the IRGC and the possibility of retaliatory actions against perceived opponents of the regime.
The IRGC, a powerful military and political force within Iran, has been accused of numerous human rights abuses and has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries. Reports suggest the IRGC may be emboldened to target leaders of the underground church in response to the ongoing protests and perceived external threats. This raises serious concerns for the safety and well-being of Christians and other religious minorities in Iran.
The Underground Church in Iran
The growth of the underground church in Iran has been a remarkable phenomenon, despite facing significant persecution and restrictions. Christians are often forced to practice their faith in secret, fearing arrest and imprisonment. However, reports indicate that the number of Christians in Iran has been steadily increasing in recent years, driven by a growing disillusionment with the Islamic Republic and a desire for spiritual fulfillment. The underground church provides a vital source of support and community for Iranian Christians, offering a space for worship, fellowship, and mutual encouragement.
The challenges faced by the underground church are immense, including limited access to resources, the constant threat of discovery, and the risk of persecution. However, the resilience and faith of Iranian Christians remain strong, and they continue to witness to their beliefs despite the dangers. The recent call for prayer from evangelist Robby Dawkins underscores the urgent need for international support and solidarity with the Christian community in Iran.
Next Steps and Continued Monitoring
The situation in Iran remains fluid and unpredictable. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the future of the country and the fate of its Christian community. Continued monitoring of the political and security situation is essential, as is providing support and advocacy for those facing persecution. The international community must remain vigilant and hold the Iranian government accountable for its human rights record.
Further developments to watch include any potential responses from the Iranian government to the Christian leaders’ statement of support for Crown Prince Pahlavi, as well as any actions taken by the IRGC against leaders of the underground church. The outcome of the ongoing protests and the broader geopolitical situation will also have a significant impact on the future of Iran and its Christian population. We will continue to provide updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
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