The Trump team had a message for christians across the world.
Iran’s oppressive crackdown on religious freedom is intensifying, particularly against Christians. In recent reports, two Iranian Christians in their 60s, Nasser Gol-Tapeh and Joseph Shahbazian, were re-arrested after serving six years in prison for leading house-churches. These men, who had already faced significant persecution, were detained once again by Iran’s notorious intelligence agents and are now being held in the infamous Evin Prison in Tehran. Gol-Tapeh has even gone on hunger strike to protest his unlawful re-arrest.
This latest wave of arrests is just one example of the relentless persecution faced by Iranian Christians. Several other Tehran-based Christians were also detained, adding to the long list of individuals targeted by the regime for simply practicing their faith. The Trump administration and Iranian dissidents are pushing for stronger action against the Iranian government. They advocate for increased economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime while bringing global attention to Iran’s human rights violations, particularly its treatment of religious minorities.
Experts such as Alireza Nader have voiced their concern over the regime’s consistent mistreatment of Christians. He urges the U.S. government to publicly address these human rights abuses while continuing to exert maximum pressure on Iran. Wahied Wahdat-Hagh, a political scientist with expertise on religious minorities in Iran, points out that Iran remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. The government views Christian converts as threats to national security, often accusing them of attempting to undermine Islam and the regime. Those who choose Christianity are vulnerable to arrests, torture, and long prison sentences.
Sheina Vojoudi, an Iranian Christian who fled her homeland to practice her faith freely, describes the alarming rise in the number of Christian converts in Iran despite the oppressive environment. The growth of Christianity in the country has deeply concerned the Islamic Republic, which fears it is a sign of weakening support for Islam.
The United Nations and human rights groups continue to raise alarms about the deteriorating situation for Christians in Iran. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, emphasized that the situation demands ongoing international attention.
The U.S. State Department’s latest report on religious freedom highlights that Christian worship, particularly in Farsi, remains prohibited in Iran. Private Christian house-churches are labeled as “illegal networks” by state-run media, and individuals who practice Christianity outside government-controlled channels are often targeted by security forces.
While estimates vary, the number of Christians in Iran remains uncertain due to the regime’s efforts to suppress religious expression. Some estimates suggest there are over half a million Christians in the country, but the true figure is likely much higher.
The Trump administration’s re-imposition of maximum economic pressure on Iran earlier this month serves as a critical tool to address Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and its ongoing support for terrorism. As Vojoudi aptly pointed out, the time for action is now—not only to hold the regime accountable for its actions but to protect the basic human right of religious freedom for all Iranians, especially Christian converts. This is not just about religious persecution; it’s a matter of upholding the fundamental values of liberty and human dignity. The U.S. and its allies must take meaningful steps to ensure the safety and rights of Iranian Christians and religious minorities everywhere.