Edwin Keshish-Abnous Speaks Out on Islamic Republic’s Labeling of Christian Networks as “Hostile”
The Islamic Republic has heightened concerns about religious freedom and the security of Christians in Iran by placing several Persian-language Christian television networks on its list of “hostile networks.” Edwin Keshish-Abnous warns that this decision could expose viewers inside Iran to the risk of prosecution and security charges, and has called on the international community not to remain indifferent to these new restrictions against Iranian Christians.
The placement of several Persian-language Christian television networks on the Islamic Republic’s “hostile networks” list has raised fresh concerns about religious freedom and the safety of Christians in Iran. According to this decision, networks including “Mohabat TV,” “Network Seven,” SAT-7 Pars, and “Salvation,” alongside some Persian-language media outlets based outside the country, have been designated as “hostile” outlets—a move that observers say could increase the risk of legal persecution for viewers and staff of these networks.
Edwin Keshish-Abnous, executive director of the Heart4Iran organization, of which Mohabat TV is the media arm, told Mission Network News that these networks have been broadcasting Christian messages in Persian to audiences inside Iran for years and have played an important role in providing Iranians access to Christian content. He said: “These television channels have been broadcasting for a long time and should be commended for spreading Christianity.”
Abnous, noting more than 20 years of work with the organization, added that the group has always been aware of the Iranian government’s opposition to its activities from the outset, but believes that the Ministry of Intelligence’s new label will not prevent the continuation of 24-hour Christian programming. However, he warned that this decision would likely make it more difficult for audiences inside Iran to connect with these networks. He elaborated: “Our viewers will be much more cautious and know that they must take security measures far more seriously.”
Edwin Abnous also warned that individuals detained due to their connection with Mohabat Television may face security charges under a new espionage law passed in 2025 and could be branded as “enemies” by the government.
According to him, Islamic Republic officials claim that Persian-language Christian networks promote “Zionist Christianity” ideology and support Israel. He said on this matter: “Whenever they hear the name Israel (which appears frequently in the Old Testament), they consider them spies who have contacts with foreign governments and are trying to overthrow the regime.”
He also noted that this policy is not limited to Christian media, and the government has also placed outlets that publish views different from the Islamic Republic’s official narrative on the “hostile” list. According to him, from the government’s perspective, any media outlet or organization that promotes beliefs contrary to the Islamic Republic’s official ideology is considered an enemy.
Abnous described the move as an open violation of religious freedom and stated: “This regime has repeatedly shown that it does not care about personal beliefs and human rights, and will do everything in its power to restrict them.” He also spoke about the current situation in Iran: “The fact is that Islam has lost its credibility, is bankrupt, and the legitimacy of the government is in question, and this is one of the ways to control people’s private lives—through intimidation and fear.”
In concluding his remarks, Edwin Abnous called on Christians around the world to pray for the Iranian church and to be vigilant about increasing pressure on convert Christians and Persian-speaking Christians. He stressed: “Iranian Christians understand the cost of faith, and no matter what happens, they will follow Christ to the end. Pray for their courage, for their safety and wellbeing. We must ensure that the international community is aware of these unlawful restrictions imposed on the Iranian people.”
It should be noted that in the Islamic Republic’s official terminology, the term “hostile” is applied to individuals or entities that the government views as being in opposition or enmity with the Islamic Republic system. Religious freedom advocacy organizations have warned that the use of this designation against Christian media could create conditions for increased security pressures and further restrictions against Christians and viewers of these networks inside Iran.
