[Today’s Prayer] Iran Sees Sharp Increase in Executions After the War… “Reflecting Regime Anxiety”

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 15th (local time) that executions inside Iran have sharply increased following the war with the United States.

According to Iranian local media, Iran executed four prisoners this week alone on charges such as espionage and terrorism.

(omitted)

Although the Iranian government claims that there is a widespread espionage network cooperating with the United States or Israel, international human rights organizations argue that the Iranian government is also suppressing political critics under the pretext of rooting out spies.

(omitted)

However, according to human rights groups, the pace of death sentences and executions has accelerated even further during the two months since Iran was attacked by the United States and Israel on February 28.

In particular, executions appear to have increased more rapidly after the ceasefire agreement in April.

Experts analyze that the Iranian government’s increase in executions reflects anxiety within the regime itself.

They say the purpose is to create fear through executions in order to prevent the recurrence of large-scale protests like those in January.

Source: Yonhap News

“The LORD hears the needy and does not despise His captive people.” (Psalm 69:33)

Heavenly Father, we hear the heartbreaking news that death sentences and executions in Iran are rapidly increasing after the war.

Even amid the ongoing war and unstable political situation, which bring hardship and fear, may Jesus, who is true peace, come into the hearts of both the Iranian government and the Iranian people, so that Iran may draw nearer to You.

As the Iranian government suppresses even political opposition under the justification of identifying and punishing spies, please remember the Iranian souls who are suffering unjustly. Lord, who hears the cries of the needy, hear the prayers of the spiritually poor in Iran. At a time when the fear of death rules hearts, may You shine the light of Jesus Christ upon Iran — He who conquered death, rose again, and became life itself.

May the Iranian church remain spiritually awake and pray all the more in such times. As they trust in the Lord who sets captives free through Jesus Christ, may they boldly proclaim Jesus Christ, who is true freedom and hope. May they embrace and serve neighbors who are suffering and weary, and be used as holy vessels that shine the light of the gospel in the darkness.

May the global church also partner together in prayer for Iran and continually proclaim the gospel there. As the gospel is testified throughout Iran, may the power of the gospel break every spirit of death and every chain of sin that binds Iran, and turn the souls of Persia back to You so that they may receive life.

And so, may holy young people, bearing the fruit of life among the Iranian people, rise up to testify of Jesus Christ, who is life, to all nations and prepare the way for the Lord’s return.