Increase in arrests of Christian citizens in Iran after Israeli and US military attacks

The arrest and repression of Christian citizens in Iran is increasing following the Israeli and American military attacks against Iran.

Following the massive Israeli and US military attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear and military facilities in June, human rights sources report a new wave of arrests and repression of religious minorities in Iran. According to credible reports, Christian citizens have also been directly targeted by security forces.

According to information released by civil society activists inside the country, in the days and weeks following the attacks, security forces raided several house churches and arrested a number of Christian citizens, who faced charges such as "propagating Christianity," "connecting with foreign entities," and "spying for Israel."

"The accusation of espionage has become a tool these days to suppress any religious activity outside the official framework. Many of our loved ones have been arrested simply for their faith," said an informed source who asked not to be named for security reasons.

Reports also indicate that some Christian detainees have been interrogated for long periods without access to lawyers and in closed courts. While the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran recognizes Christianity as one of the official religions, in practice, citizens who convert from Islam to Christianity have no legal protection and are often charged with “apostasy” or “acting against national security.”

According to international monitors, more than 700 people from religious, ethnic, and political minorities have been arrested in the post-ceasefire crackdown. Some independent sources report at least six executions among those arrested during this period.

Human rights activists have also warned that the Islamic Republic is using external tensions to increase domestic control and suppress religious freedoms. International organizations have called for urgent action by the international community to protect those detained, including Christians.

As the space for Christian expression in Iran becomes increasingly restricted, house churches, the gathering places of thousands of Persian-speaking Christians, are now under threat more than ever. The situation of religious minorities, despite the lack of access to lawyers and fair trials, is being monitored by families, who are calling on all believers and international organizations to make the voices of this suffering community heard by the world.