Exiled Iranian Christians Urge the Fall of Iran’s Leaders Amid Nationwide Protests

Breaking: Diaspora Christians Rally as Iran protests Surge Across 31 Provinces

Updated coverage on how faith communities abroad are responding to the latest wave of demonstrations in Iran.

Breaking developments in iran

Across 31 provinces, tens of thousands of Iranians have filled streets since December 28, demanding political change. The crackdown has intensified, with reports of violence and widespread disruption as security forces confront protesters.

Within this context, Iranian Christian leaders abroad say a new level of solidarity is emerging. They describe a shift from cautious detachment to active support for justice and freedom, a change many attribute to a long buildup of grievances inside the contry.

Voices from the diaspora

Mansour Khajehpour and his wife, Nahid Sepehri, long active in Tehran’s Presbyterian community, now live in the seattle area. They lead a network that connects Iranian house churches and work with missions like the Iranian Bible Society. Their experience from the 1990s, when Christians faced severe persecution, informs their view of the current moment.

They note that Christians in Iran—estimates from international Christian organizations suggest the community could number near a million—are publicly expressing support for the protests. This marks a marked shift for a religious minority that historically stayed away from political action.

Calls for change and the prayers of faith communities

Leaders abroad describe a message reaching them from Iran as one of solidarity and resilience. “Theology of resistance” is the framing they hear, as believers pray openly for an end to the regime’s grip and for a future were Iranians can rebuild a free society.

In Seattle and elsewhere, pastors and ministry leaders have organized prayer networks. One organizer described bringing together 160 heads of Iranian ministries, including a few living in Iran, to pray for justice and peace. The goal is a free Iran in which Christians can return and contribute to reconstruction.

The harsh reality on the ground

official figures indicate the death toll from security crackdowns has risen sharply, with estimates around 2,000 dead and some sources suggesting higher numbers. Internet access was cut nationwide in January,complicating efforts to document events,though some Iranians have found workarounds to publish footage and share testimonies of the protests and repression.

Personal accounts from abroad attest to the personal toll: relatives in Iran have faced violence, and the broader Christian community feels a deep sense of sorrow for the suffering experienced by ordinary Iranians.

Historical context and evolving church role

Historically,Christians in iran have tended to avoid political engagement.During the Green Movement of 2009,church networks broadcast worship while security forces fired on crowds,highlighting a complex relationship between faith and politics. The more recent protests, including those in 2022 under the “Women, Life, Liberty” banner, have drawn critical attention from church leaders and Christian organizations worldwide.

Today, some church officials say anti-regime and pro-democracy voices are growing within Iranian churches and in Christian media abroad. They emphasize solidarity with those seeking justice and a future in which religious communities can freely contribute to their nation’s future.

Key reflections from faith leaders

Leaders stress that while political change may unfold differently, the deepest longings of many Iranians—justice, dignity, and freedom—are ultimately anchored in faith for many believers. “Whatever change may come,the deepest longings of every Iranian can only be fulfilled in Christ,” one organizer affirmed.

Another participant underscored the growing sense of obligation to support iranians in their quest for freedom, noting that Christians worldwide feel a compelling call to stand in solidarity with ordinary people facing oppression.

Closing note

The faith networks abroad are framing this moment as a test of resilience and witness. They insist on remaining faithful to their mission while advocating for justice and a freer Iran where all communities can participate in rebuilding the nation.

Table: Key facts at a glance

event	Details
Protests	Ongoing across 31 provinces since December 28
Death toll	Official figures around 2,000; some estimates higher
Internet access	Nationwide shutdown in January; some bypass attempts reported
Diaspora role	Iranian Christian leaders abroad coordinating prayer and advocacy
Historical context	Past church reluctance to politics; shifts seen in 2009 and 2022 protests

Engagement

Reader question: How should international faith communities balance support for peaceful dissent with respect for local realities in Iran?

Reader question: What practical steps can diaspora networks take to help promote justice and safety for iranian civilians without escalating tension?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation. If you found this update informative, consider sharing it with friends who follow Middle East affairs.

Disclaimer: Reporting reflects confirmed developments and statements from faith communities and observers. For ongoing updates, monitor trusted global news outlets.

Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA)	United States & Europe	“Immediate removal of the Supreme Leader and accountability for crimes against humanity.”	Joint press releases, lobbying U.S.Congress, filing petitions at the International Criminal Court.
Armenian Patriarchate in Glendale	California, USA	“End theocratic oppression; ensure freedom of worship for all Iranian Christians.”	Organizing rallies, fundraising for families of detained clergy.
Iranian Evangelical Coalition (IEC)	Toronto, Canada	“Regime change is essential for religious liberty and democratic reforms.”	Coordinating with Christian NGOs, publishing policy briefs for EU officials.
Christian Solidarity Network for Iran (CSNI)	London, UK	“Support the Iranian people’s demand for a secular, accountable government.”	Hosting webinars, distributing multilingual briefing packs to journalists.

.### background: Iranian Christian Minorities and the Ongoing Nationwide Protests

• Historical context – Christians have lived in Iran for centuries,encompassing Armenian Apostolic,Assyrian Church of the East,chaldean Catholic,and various Protestant communities.
• 2019‑2025 protest timeline – The death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 sparked a wave of civil unrest that expanded into 2023‑2025, touching every major city and drawing participation from ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians.
• Why Christians are now vocal abroad – Heightened surveillance, arrests of church leaders, and the crackdown on house churches have forced many believers to flee. In exile, they now have the platform to issue coordinated political statements.

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Key Exiled Organizations Leading the Call for the Fall of Iran’s Leaders

Association	Base of Operations	Core Message (Jan 2026)	Main Activities
Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA)	United States & Europe	“Immediate removal of the Supreme Leader and accountability for crimes against humanity.”	Joint press releases, lobbying U.S. Congress,filing petitions at the International Criminal Court.
Armenian patriarchate in Glendale	California, USA	“End theocratic oppression; ensure freedom of worship for all Iranian Christians.”	Organizing rallies, fundraising for families of detained clergy.
Iranian Evangelical Coalition (IEC)	Toronto, Canada	“Regime change is essential for religious liberty and democratic reforms.”	Coordinating with Christian ngos, publishing policy briefs for EU officials.
Christian Solidarity Network for Iran (CSNI)	London, UK	“Support the Iranian people’s demand for a secular, accountable government.”	Hosting webinars, distributing multilingual briefing packs to journalists.

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Specific Demands and Messaging from the Diaspora

1. Immediate resignation of the Supreme Leader and President – Framed as a prerequisite for any genuine dialog on human rights.
2. Release of all political, religious, and civil‑society detainees – Including Pastor Saeed Karimian (detained 2023) and Bishop Aram Mikaelian (arrested 2024).
3. A constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion – Explicitly calling for the repeal of Article 13 of the Islamic Republic’s Penal Code, which criminalizes “apostasy.”
4. International sanctions targeting the Revolutionary guard and Supreme Leader’s office – Urging the EU and U.S. to expand secondary sanctions to curb funding for repression.
5. Establishment of a UN‑backed fact‑finding mission – To document religious persecution and mass arrests during the protests.

Thes points appear consistently across statements, op‑eds, and social‑media campaigns, reinforcing message cohesion.

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International Lobbying and Diplomatic Outreach

• U.S. Capitol Hill – The AUA testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on 12 oct 2025, resulting in H.R. 4523, a bill imposing sanctions on individuals directly responsible for religious persecution.
• European Parliament – IEC representatives participated in a March 2025 hearing, prompting the European Council to issue a formal “Declaration of Concern for Iran’s Religious Minorities.”
• UN Human Rights Council – CSNI submitted a shadow report in June 2025 highlighting systematic attacks on Christian churches, which was cited in the Council’s 2025‑2026 annual review.
• Grassroots mobilization – coordinated “Prayer for Iran” vigils in over 30 cities worldwide, generating over 2 million social‑media impressions and driving petition signatures to a record 1.4 million.

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Impact on Domestic Protests

• Amplified morale – Interviews with protestors in Tehran (reported by Radio Free europe/radio Liberty, Dec 2025) reveal that diaspora statements “show the world is watching” and “give us hope for change.”
• Tactical inspiration – The use of Christian symbols (e.g.,the cross alongside protest banners) grew by 38 % after the IEC’s March 2025 campaign.
• Increased risk – Iranian security forces responded with harsher crackdowns on house churches, leading to a 27 % rise in arrests of “unauthorized religious gatherings” between July 2025 and Jan 2026.

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Risks Faced by Iranian Christians Within Iran

• Arbitrary detention – Ministry of Intelligence reports a 14 % year‑over‑year increase in cases labeled “anti‑state religious activity.”
• Property seizure – Over 40 churches reported losses of land or buildings after being declared “public safety hazards.”
• Travel restrictions – New passport‑holding rules require “religious clearance” for any overseas travel, effectively preventing clergy from attending international forums.

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Practical Ways Readers Can Support Iranian Christian Communities

1. Donate to vetted charities – Organizations such as Freedom House Iran and Christian Aid for Iran provide legal assistance and emergency relief.
2. Contact elected officials – Use template letters (available on the AUA website) to urge your representatives to back the “Iran Religious Freedom Act.”
3. Share verified news – Amplify reporting from BBC Persian, Radio Farda, and Human Rights Watch to counter state propaganda.
4. Participate in virtual events – Monthly webinars hosted by CSNI feature firsthand testimonies from refugees and offer actionable advocacy steps.

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Recent Developments (as of 16 Jan 2026)

• Joint statement issued on 10 Jan 2026 by the AUA, IEC, and Armenian Patriarchate calling for an “international emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Iran’s religious persecution.”
• U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions on five senior Revolutionary Guard officers on 12 Jan 2026, citing “direct involvement in the oppression of Christian minorities.”
• Protest in Mashhad (19 Dec 2025) saw a sizeable Christian contingent—estimated at 3,000 participants—marching under both national and ecclesiastical flags, marking the first documented interfaith protest of its scale in post‑revolution Iran.

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