FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
presscenter@nrb.org

NASHVILLE, TENN. (NRB) — As Christian communicators gather in Nashville for the NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention (February 17–20), the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) urgently calls the global Christian community to immediate, sustained prayer and solidarity with the Iranian people enduring severe human rights violations and violent repression.

Protests that erupted nationwide in late December 2025, sparked by economic collapse and demands for freedom, peaked in early January 2026 and were met with brutal force: lethal ammunition, mass arrests, internet blackouts, and widespread killings. Credible reports from human rights organizations have confirmed tens of thousands dead and detained, with Christians among those targeted, arrested, or killed.

Amid this crisis, many Christian ministries report a vibrant and rapidly growing underground church in Iran—one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world. Despite intense persecution, house churches multiply in secret, fueled by personal encounters with Christ (often through dreams and visions), satellite broadcasts, and bold discipleship. Estimates from groups like Elam Ministries, Transform Iran, and Iran Alive Ministries place Muslim-background believers at 1–3 million, with underground networks thriving even as the regime cracks down.

“Christian communicators have a duty to highlight this crisis, including the remarkable growth of the underground church, and rally the global church to urgent prayer,” said Troy A. Miller, NRB president & CEO. “We cannot stay silent as violence continues. Pray earnestly for protection, an end to repression, justice, and for the strengthening of Iran’s believers who shine as lights in the darkness—intercession is critical now.”

NRB stands in solidarity with exiled Iranian leader Reza Pahlavi, a key advocate for the Iranian people. He has worked relentlessly to unify the opposition, promote nonviolent resistance, advocate targeted sanctions against the IRGC, and push for a democratic transition. As he has stated: “A free and democratic Iran will once again embrace the diversity of faiths and beliefs that have been a part of our nation’s rich history for millennia. Christians, Jews, Baha’is, Zoroastrians, and Muslims can once again live together in harmony, free to practice their religions without fear of persecution.”

Just this week, the NRB Board reaffirmed its condemnation of global religious persecution, commended members’ humanitarian work, and expressed its ongoing commitment to religious freedom and the persecuted church.

NRB calls believers to pray and act urgently for:

• Immediate safety and protection for civilians, especially Christians in the underground church, women, youth, and children facing grave risks.
• Cessation of violence and respect for fundamental rights: expression, assembly, belief, and worship.
• Comfort, resilience, and bold growth for grieving families, detainees, and believers in house churches facing hardship.
• Effectiveness for advocates like Reza Pahlavi in advancing a free, democratic Iran.
• Support for the U.S. presidential administration’s efforts, whether through military or diplomatic means, to take immediate action to protect the Iranian people.

Statements from NRB Members:

“As we see the upheaval going on in Iran, this is such a strategic time for Christians to be in prayer for that nation, and especially for the many Iranians who are our brothers and sisters in Christ.” — Todd Nettleton, vice president of Message for The Voice of the Martyrs—USA and host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio.

“The crackdowns from the Iranian regime over the past few months have been brutal. In these dark moments, the Lord has been working through Iranian believers who are showing the love of Christ to those hurting and in desperate need of hope. In the midst of all the suffering, there are new doors of ministry opening up to Iran Alive. I’m calling on all believers to join us in prayer as God continues to change hearts and call more Iranians into His Kingdom.” — Dr. Hormoz Shariat, founder and president of Iran Alive Ministries.

To interview Troy A. Miller, please contact presscenter@nrb.org.

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About NRB
NRB is a nonpartisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. NRB’s mission is two-fold: To protect the free speech rights of our members to speak Biblical truth by advocating those rights in governmental, corporate, and media sectors; and to foster excellence, integrity, and accountability in our membership by providing networking, educational, ministry, and relational opportunities. Learn more at www.nrb.org.

About the NRB Convention
The annual NRB International Christian Media Convention is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assisting those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic and award-winning Exposition consists of hundreds of organizations and is an active marketplace for those seeking products and services to enhance their organization. The next Convention will be held February 23–26, 2027, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.