A Texas-based ministry tracking underground churches in Iran alleges a surge in arrests and killings of Christians in recent months, even as it reports thousands embracing Christianity.
Killings and arrests alleged by Iran Alive Ministries
Iran Alive Ministries, based in Texas, told Baptist Press that 33 ministers affiliated with its network in Iran have been killed in recent months, with 131 Christians arrested and 14 currently imprisoned, some awaiting execution. Religion Unplugged likewise reported these figures and cited Iran Alive’s underground church network as the source.
“This is just a snap picture of the people connected to Iran Alive,” founder Hormoz Shariat said in a webinar, according to Religion Unplugged. “There are so many other Christians who have been killed, who’ve been arrested.”
Broadcasts reportedly blacklisted; listening criminalized
Religion Unplugged reported on Aug. 25 that Iran’s authorities blacklisted religious broadcasts in July and criminalized listening to such programming.
Conversions reported despite risk
Shariat said Iran Alive recorded nearly 6,000 conversions in 2026. “This new generation rising up as leaders, they are on fire for the Lord,” he said. “With the miserable life that they have in Iran, the heavens are open. God is at work.” Washington Times Opinion shared a June 3, 2026 clip of Shariat discussing why many Iranians are turning to Christianity despite risks.
Context from Open Doors
Open Doors’ World Watch List ranks Iran 10th globally for Christian persecution. “Christians in Iran are heavily and systemically repressed, as the authorities seek to root out what they see as a threat from the West to undermine their Islamic rule,” the ministry states. “Converts are most in the firing line. House churches are commonly raided, often followed by arrests, interrogations, pressure to inform on other believers and long-term imprisonment.”
What’s confirmed—and what isn’t
The allegations above are attributed to Iran Alive Ministries and the outlets that reported its claims. Independent verification of specific killings, arrests, imprisonments, or pending executions was not provided in the cited reports.
