All you need to know about the history of Iran and Islam: Insights from a frontline ministry

Ever since June of 2025, when the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran has become a topic at the forefront of American minds. Regardless of where you stand politically in the matter or what you believe God’s plan is for the Middle East, we do know one thing: the people of Iran need Jesus just like you and me. This conflict should give us an increased urgency to reach all Muslims with the gospel. 

It is important to know the history of Islam in Iran and how Muslims live out their beliefs there to better understand and pray for the situation. Plus, being informed helps you in your relationship with your Muslim neighbors, who might be curious about a non-Muslim’s perspective on Iran.

Iran’s state religion: Islam

Islam is Iran’s only accepted religion and the basis of all laws (Sharia Law).

Iran follows Shia Islam, the minority group of the two major sects of Islam. Iran is only one of three countries that follow Shia Islam, with the rest of the major Islamic countries being part of the Sunni sect.

But what is different about Shia Islam? Shia Muslims believe that: 

• Mohammad’s son-in-law Ali was his rightful successor (while Sunnis believe the rightful successor is Abu Bak’r, Muhammad’s friend and the father of his beloved child-bride, Aisha)

• Ali’s 12th descendant, the last Mahdi, will come out of hiding on judgment day (source).

• The Quran is a created book, not an eternally existing book in paradise (source).

• Some Quranic verses have special meanings that only Imams can understand (source).

For the more detailed differences between Shia and Sunni Islam, read here.

What is the history of Iran and Islam? 

The Early History of Iran (Persia)

The Iran of today was known as Persia in ancient history. From the sixth century onward and throughout the Middle Ages, Persia was repeatedly conquered by Muslims and was part of several Caliphates (Islamic empires). From 1502-1925, Persia was controlled by two dynasties governed by Sharia Law, the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736) and the Qajar dynasty (1789-1925). 

Modern History of U.S. and Iran Relations

In 1925, everything changed when Shah Reza Khan overthrew the Qajar Dynasty. Persia became Iran, and it broke free from centuries of Islamic rule. The Shah’s secular government did not follow Sharia law and it gave women the right to education and freedom of dress (source).

In 1941, Reza Pahlavi became the new Shah of Iran and was very pro-relations with the United States. Then, in 1951, Iran’s oil industry, its primary source of revenue, was nationalized. Under the leadership of Pahlavi, the Iranian economy prospered, women’s rights were upheld, and Iran and America enjoyed friendly relations for 37 years. 

But widespread frustration over economic inequality, corruption, and political repression caused an uprising and a call to Islamic revivalism that eventually brought down the Shah. Ayatollah Khomeini, who was brought back from exile in 1979 with the support of the West, became the charismatic religious and political leader who built a new Islamic republic for 47 years. 

The Iranian people never imagined that they would become more oppressed under a leader who captured their country and renamed it the Republic of Iran, established enmity with the US and Israel, and began a jihadi plan to bring the end times closer. 

In 2024, the Crown Prince of Iran said, “Khomeini looked at Iran as a launching pad to export an ideology, to create a modern-day Shiite Caliphate to dominate the region and beyond.” (source)

Under Khomeini, Sharia Law was mandated. Religious police assaulted women for not wearing a hijab, wife beating became legal, and homosexuals were executed. There was absolutely no freedom of speech or due process for citizens under the law. Khomeini aided terrorist groups, killed thousands, and was at the center of the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

Then, in 2026, between 30,000 and 50,000 Iranians were murdered for protesting the government (source).

What is the state of the Iranian underground church?

Open Doors ranks Iran #10 on its persecution watchlist (source). Yet, Christianity is the most rapidly expanding religion in Iran, but only underground (source). Iran’s believers are categorized by the Islamic government as either documented Christians (who are only accepted if they are not Iranians, like the Armenians) or as apostates who are persecuted for their faith. 

Documented Christians have a lower status of citizenship (dhimmi citizenship), while apostates are automatically considered criminals because they left Islam for Christianity (source). Since the government sees apostates as dangerous, their property can be seized, they lose their jobs, and they even lose parental rights over their children (source).  

All Iranian Christians are subject to detainment, torture, banishment, and even execution. In 2025, Iran passed an espionage bill that gave the government even greater authority to punish apostates (source). To read more about the persecution of Christians under Islamic governments, read here. 

Though the church of Iran is under constant attack, the Lord has sustained it. Here is a brief timeline of its history: 

• 1960-1970’s- Wealth caused apathy towards the gospel, so Iran had only a few hundred Christians.

• Following the Iranian Revolution- Wealth became scarce, missionaries were banned, and persecution was normalized. 

• After 1980- Many Iranians accepted Christ, and the Iranian church slowly expanded underground.

• 1994- Three Christian pastors (Haik Hovsepian- Mehr, Mehdi Dibaj, and Tateos Mikaelian) were killed for their faith (source).

• 2000-2025- The underground Iranian church exponentially grew through digital evangelism (like satellite television) and discipleship 

• Following the Iran-Israel Ceasefire- 54 Christians were arrested, and surveillance of Iranian believers was heightened (source).     

• 2026- 800,000 Christians call Iran home (source). 

Additionally, why is there tension between Shia Iran and the Gulf Countries?

The largely successful oil Gulf countries are all Sunni. There has been a long history of wars between the Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Shiites see themselves as the underdogs, naturally, as the smaller sect, and Sunni Muslims often look down on Shiites. On top of the religious ideological difference, Shiite Iran has a deep jealousy of the prosperity of the Gulf countries. There are also racial tensions, where the Persians in Iran feel superior to the Arab people. 

This is why Iran and the Gulf countries are enemies.

The Christian biblical response to Iran in 2026

In light of Iran’s history and current situation, how should we respond as Christ-followers? 

Matthew 9:36 describes Jesus' response to a crowd: “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.”

First, we must pray that the Lord would fill us with this same Christlike compassion for the people of Iran. Second, we should ask the Lord to shield the believers, draw the unbelievers, and transform the hearts of Iran’s leaders. Finally, it is necessary to take action. Here are a few things you can do: 

• Have conversations with fellow believers about Iran’s history and people 

• Ask your Muslim friend their thoughts on current events, listen well, and ask if they know anyone in Iran who needs prayer for safety. Avoid getting into political arguments. 

• Stay up to date on current events and pray fvor Iran and its people 

• Give to ministries reaching Muslims. You can give here. 

Dear Lord, thank you that the country and people of Iran are in your hands. Please protect the Iranian Church and transform the hearts of many Iranian Muslims. Please give me a deep compassion for the lost in Iran and stir me to take action to further this mission field.