Pray for Iran
Learn about and pray for Iran in just 5 minutes per week!
Receive one email per week for 13 weeks about Iran’s history, geography, persecution profile, and largest unreached people groups.
WEEK 1
Prayercast
Pray along with a local believer for their nation.
WEEK 2
Operation World
Pray through Operation World's country profile.
WEEK 3
World Watch List
Pray through the country's persecution profile.
WEEKS 4-13
People Groups
Pray for the country's 10 largest unreached people groups.
Introduction
Iran, once known as Persia, is an Islamic Republic with a predominantly Shiite Muslim population. Rich in history, it was home to ancient civilizations and famous figures like Cyrus the Great.
Geographically strategic, Iran shares borders with several nations and has coastlines on the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution transformed it into a Shiite cleric-ruled nation, marked by an 8-year war with Iraq. Economic challenges, high unemployment, and international concerns about its nuclear program persist.
Despite religious restrictions, there’s a growing community of Muslim background believers in Iran, finding faith through dreams, smuggled Bibles, and media.
Read on to learn how you can pray for Iran.
Fast Facts
Capital City: Tehran
Population: 89 million (99% unreached)
People Groups: 94
10/40 Window: Yes
Major People Groups: 34% Persian (Irani); 20% Azerbaijani (Turk)
Religion: Muslim 98%
Language:Persian, Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Gilaki, Mazandarani
GDP Per Capita: $12,400
Literacy Rate: 85%
Did you know? Persian rugs are renowned for their intricate designs and craftsmanship. They are considered some of the finest carpets globally.
Pray for the unreached people groups of Iran
Iran is a nation of 89 million people. It is over 98% Muslim but Iranians are converting to Christian at a rapid rate.
Below are the 10 largest unreached people groups in Iran:
| Name | Religion | Population |
| 1. Persian | Islam | 42,419,000 |
| 2. Azeri Turk | Islam | 19,549,000 |
| 3. Southern Kurd | Islam | 3,867,000 |
| 4. Gilaki | Islam | 3,098,000 |
| 5. Mazanderani | Islam | 2,568,000 |
| 6. Northern Luri | Islam | 2,116,000 |
| 7. Iranian Romani | Islam | 1,947,000 |
| 8. Iranian Arab | Islam | 1,531,000 |
| 9. Bakhtiari | Islam | 1,324,000 |
| 10. Laki | Islam | 1,313,000 |
Pray for Christians being persecuted
Iran is ranked #9 on the 2024 World Watch List published by Open Doors.
Iran is ruled by an increasingly strict Islamic regime, which views Iranian house churches as a threat. Church members have received long prison sentences involving physical and mental abuse.
The state is increasing its surveillance and control over people’s lives, as last year’s protests by Iranian women have highlighted. Muslim background believers must meet in secret, with the risk of being caught and prosecuted for ‘crimes against national security’.
World Watch List
You can learn about Christian persecution and pray for our brothers and sisters who being persecuted around the world by praying through the Open Doors’ World Watch List.
“[God] has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”
Pray for Iran
“Slow drip” your learning and prayers for Iran: its history, geography, persecution profile, and largest unreached people groups.