Persecution of Christians in Iran sharply intensifies

The number of Christians arrested in Iran nearly doubled in 2025. According to a joint report by Open Doors, Article18, CSW and Middle East Concern, 254 people were detained for their faith or religious activities, compared with 139 in 2024.

At the same time, the number of convictions rose sharply, with more than twice as many Christians facing imprisonment, exile or forced labour. Iranian courts handed down a total of 280 years in prison this year, with at least eleven people receiving sentences of ten years or more.

The report, entitled ‘Sacrificial Lambs’, states that repression intensified, particularly after the brief war with Israel in June 2025, when hostile rhetoric against religious minorities also increased.

The organisations call on the international community to hold Tehran accountable for violations of religious freedom and urge states to ensure fair asylum procedures for Iranian Christians. Iran has long ranked among the countries where persecution of Christians is most severe.

(mja)