‘We don't pray for war; we pray for peace. […] It's a dilemma. But I don't think as Christians we can pray for war.’

Our Middle East and North Africa advocate has shared four key prayer points to help us pray for Iran.

• For peace in Iran and the surrounding nations. Conflict broke out after Israel and the US launched air strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other key officials. Since then, these airstrikes have continued – reportedly killing hundreds – while Iran has launched missiles at Israel, at US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, and at the US embassy in Saudi Arabia. There have also been Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon as the conflict widens.
  
• For the protection of civilians – people of all religions, beliefs, ethnicities and backgrounds, as well as the protection and encouragement of the Church.
• For the safety and release of prisoners, including those held because of their religious beliefs, or for taking part in recent protests. The Iranian authorities are reportedly expediting the executions of those they consider enemies of the regime. Most, if not all, are civilians arrested during protests.
• For peaceful change in Iran. Pray for a peaceful transition from authoritarianism and oppression to freedom and justice. Pray for a future where everyone’s rights and freedoms – including freedom of religion or belief – are respected.

We also pray a special blessing over women in Iran.

On Saturday 28 February 2026, a US-Israeli air strike hit a girl’s school in Minab, southern Iran. Iranian officials said over 160 staff and students were killed, most of them schoolgirls. Ask God to heal the injured and comfort all who mourn.

We also remember the women who are unjustly imprisoned because of their beliefs. Among them is Narges Nasri, a Christian convert who was sentenced to 16 years in prison on International Women’s Day last year. She was pregnant with her first child at the time. Ask God to set the captives free.

You can read more about the targeting of Christians in Scapegoats– the latest annual report by Article 18, CSW, Middle East Concern, and Open Doors.

You can continue to pray for Iran and many other countries around the world by using our prayer diary or by signing up to our weekly prayer email, using the buttons below.