President Trump urged to confront Iranian regime over repression of Christians

Iran Escalates Crackdown on Christian Community, Sparking International Outcry

In a troubling escalation of religious persecution, the Iranian regime has launched a new wave of repression against the country’s Christian minority. According to a report by Article18, a U.K.-based NGO advocating for religious freedom in Iran, two elderly Christian men in their 60s, Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh and Joseph Shahbazian, were re-arrested and detained in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison. Both men had previously served a combined six years in prison for their role in leading underground house churches, which the Iranian government deems illegal. Gol-Tapeh has reportedly begun a hunger strike to protest his unlawful re-arrest. Article18 also noted that several other Christians in Tehran were arrested around the same time and remain in custody, highlighting the broader campaign of intimidation and suppression targeting the Christian community.

Persecution of Christians in Iran: A Longstanding Issue

The re-arrest of Gol-Tapeh and Shahbazian is the latest chapter in Iran’s longstanding persecution of Christians, particularly those who convert from Islam. The Iranian regime views Christian converts as a threat to national security, accusing them of being influenced by Western powers to undermine the Islamic system. Converts are disproportionately targeted, facing severe violations of their religious freedom, including arrests, lengthy prison sentences, and denial of legal recognition. Experts like Wahied Wahdat-Hagh, a leading authority on religious minorities in Iran, emphasize that the situation for Christians remains dire. According to the 2025 Open Doors World Watch List, Iran ranks among the top 10 worst countries for Christian persecution, with discrimination scoring an alarming 86 out of 100.

The Alarming Rise of Christianity in Iran Despite Repression

Despite the oppressive environment, Christianity is experiencing remarkable growth in Iran, particularly among younger generations. This phenomenon has deeply unsettled the Islamic Republic, which sees the spread of Christianity as a challenge to its theocratic authority. While exact numbers are difficult to determine due to widespread repression, estimates suggest there are between 500,000 and 1.24 million Christians in Iran, many of whom are converts. This growth is largely driven by disillusionment with the regime and a desire for spiritual renewal. Sheina Vojoudi, an Iranian Christian who fled to Germany to escape persecution, described the situation, saying, “As belief in Islam declines, the Iranian government is increasingly alarmed by the rise of Christianity.”

International Calls for Action Against Iran’s Human Rights Abuses

The plight of Iranian Christians has sparked urgent calls for international action. Iranian-Americans and dissidents are urging the U.S. government to shine a spotlight on the regime’s human rights violations while imposing punitive measures to pressure Tehran. Alireza Nader, an Iran expert, has called on the Trump administration to publicly highlight the persecution of Christians and apply maximum economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime. Similarly, Wahied Wahdat-Hagh has stressed the importance of holding Iran accountable for its violations of religious freedom, which he describes as a fundamental human right. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, has also sounding the alarm, emphasizing that the situation of Christians in Iran demands continued international attention.

The U.S. and Europe Must Take a Stand for Religious Freedom

Advocates like Sheina Vojoudi are calling on Western nations, particularly the United States and European countries, to take meaningful action to address Iran’s persecution of Christians. Vojoudi, an associate fellow at the U.S.-based Gold Institute for International Strategy, argued that the international community must not only hold the Islamic Republic accountable for its support of terrorism and extremism but also prosecute it for violating the fundamental right to religious freedom. She emphasized that this is not only critical for the safety of Christian converts but also for upholding the values of freedom and human dignity that Western nations claim to champion. The Trump administration has already re-imposed maximum economic pressure on Iran, but advocates argue that more must be done to address the regime’s egregious human rights record.

A Call to Action: Global Advocacy for Iran’s Persecuted Christians

The story of Iran’s persecuted Christians is one of resilience and faith in the face of relentless oppression. Despite the regime’s efforts to suppress their faith, the Christian community in Iran continues to grow, with women playing a significant role in leading underground churches. However, the dire situation calls for urgent international intervention. The re-arrest of Gol-Tapeh and Shahbazian, along with the broader crackdown on Christians, serves as a stark reminder of the Iranian regime’s contempt for religious freedom. As the global community grapples with how to respond, one thing is clear: the plight of Iran’s Christians cannot be ignored. Advocacy, diplomacy, and accountability are essential to ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. The world must stand with Iran’s persecuted Christians and demand an end to their suffering.