What is the Event in Iran Everyone is Talking About?

Seven Key Points to Address

1. What is the Event in Iran Everyone is Talking About?
2. Who is President Ebrahim Raisi?
3. What is the Situation in Iran?
4. A Response to the Tragedy
5. How Should We Pray?
6. A Prayer for Iran

Yesterday, Iran's hardliner President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash, which has sparked celebrations in the streets of Iran today. Iranian journalist Mehdi Nasiri, the former editor-in-chief of Kayhan Daily, is very critical of the Iranian regime and has penned a note in response. I summarize his note below.

Who is President Ebrahim Raisi?

President Ebrahim Raisi is often referred to as "the butcher" due to his notorious role in the mass executions of political prisoners in Iran during the late 1980s. As a deputy prosecutor in Tehran in 1988, Raisi was part of a four-member "death committee" that oversaw the secret execution of thousands of political dissidents, primarily members of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and other leftist groups. These prisoners were subjected to summary trials and swift executions, often based on their political beliefs and affiliations.

Raisi's involvement in these events has left a lasting stain on his reputation, as survivors and human rights organizations have accused him of crimes against humanity. The label "butcher" underscores the brutality and scale of the executions for which he is held responsible, highlighting his role in one of the darkest chapters of Iran's recent history. His election as president in 2021 renewed international criticism and concern over his past actions and the implications for Iran's human rights situation moving forward.

What is the Situation in Iran?

Iran, under the control of a repressive regime, has long endured a brutal dictatorship marked by extensive human rights abuses and oppressive governance. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the Iranian government has held a tight grip on power through fear, censorship, and violence. Political dissent is met with harsh crackdowns, arbitrary arrests, and lengthy prison sentences. Freedom of speech and the press are severely restricted, with journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens often facing intimidation and imprisonment for voicing opposition. The regime's systematic persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, along with its violent suppression of peaceful protests, underscores its ruthless commitment to maintaining control at any cost. This atmosphere of oppression and fear has stifled the voices of millions, creating a society where justice is perverted and fundamental human rights are continually trampled.

A Response to the Tragedy

Iranian journalist Mehdi Nasiri, the former editor-in-chief of Kayhan Daily, is very critical of the Iranian regime and has penned a note in response. Here is a summary of his message:

Nasiri highlights the thousands of innocent young people executed in the 1980s by Raisi and his colleagues solely for their ideological beliefs or affiliations despite never having committed violent acts. He extends his lament to the families of those who fell victim to the chain of brutal murders of pious people, writers, and political activists, whose only crime was thinking differently. Nasiri also remembers the victims of various protests and tragedies, including those of 1988, 1996, 1998, and the downing of the Ukrainian plane, questioning who offered condolences to their survivors.

Nasiri criticizes the systemic issues within Iran, such as the thousands of yearly road fatalities caused partly by low-quality domestically manufactured cars controlled by the automobile industry mafia. He mourns for the millions of Iranians dragged below the poverty line due to the governance of Raisi and his followers. He underscores the suffering of the Iranian nation, which he attributes to the politicking and mismanagement of the rulers, including Raisi, who played a significant role in the governance system for many years. Nasiri points out that Raisi, elected through a manipulated process, lacked the necessary knowledge and expertise, betraying the trust of the Iranian people.

In conclusion, Nasiri asserts that the Iranian nation deserves condolences and sympathy above all, given its immense suffering. He calls for a unified effort among all Iranians, regardless of their orientations, factions, or tastes, to overcome the current hardships and prevent the nation from descending further into chaos and anarchy. Nasiri emphasizes the need for collective action to rescue Iran from the abyss of corruption and failed governance, urging his fellow citizens to unite to create a better future.

Why Should We Pray for Iran?

Christians should pray for Iran for several compelling reasons rooted in faith and compassion:

1. Human Rights and Justice: Iran's people face significant human rights abuses and political repression under a regime that severely limits freedom and justice. Prayer can be a powerful expression of solidarity with those suffering and a plea for divine intervention to bring about change and relief.
2. Persecuted Christians: Iran is home to a growing number of Christians who live under constant threat of persecution. These believers face severe consequences for their faith, including imprisonment, torture, and even death. Praying for their safety, strength, and courage is a way to support and uplift our brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring unimaginable hardships for their faith.
3. Spiritual Revival: Prayer for Iran calls for spiritual revival and transformation. Despite the oppressive environment, the underground church in Iran is reportedly one of the fastest-growing in the world. Christians can pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to work powerfully in the hearts of Iranians, bringing many to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
4. Change in Leadership: Christians believe in the power of prayer to change hearts and nations. Praying for Iran's leaders, for wisdom, justice, and a turning away from oppressive policies aligns with the biblical call to intercede for all people, including those in positions of authority. Through prayer, Christians can ask God to bring peace, freedom, and righteousness to Iran, trusting in His sovereign plan and timing.

A Prayer for Iran

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, acknowledging Your supreme power and sovereignty over all nations and rulers. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and Your justice and righteousness know no bounds.

Lord, we lift the nation of Iran to You. We are deeply troubled by the oppression and suffering inflicted upon its people by the current regime. We see the injustice, the persecution, and the evil actions that continue to harm innocent lives. We know You are a God of justice, and it grieves Your heart to see Your children suffer.

Father, we ask that You intervene, mighty. We pray that You would overthrow the evil regime that governs Iran, replacing it with leaders who will seek peace, justice, and the welfare of all people. We pray for the protection of those who are oppressed, the freedom of those imprisoned unjustly, and the courage of those who stand for righteousness.

We ask Your Holy Spirit to move powerfully within Iran, bringing about a revival and a turning of hearts towards You. We pray for the salvation of those in power, that they may repent and seek Your face. We also ask for strength and protection for our brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution daily.

Lord, we trust in Your perfect timing and Your righteous plan. We believe You can bring beauty from ashes and turn mourning into joy. We stand in faith, believing that You will bring about a change that will glorify Your name and bring hope to the people of Iran.

In Jesus' mighty name, we pray,

Amen.