The Bishop of Chelmsford has issued a prayer for Iran as tensions escalate between the country, Israel, and the United States.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Guli Francis-Dehqani was born in Iran in 1966, but her family fled to England following the Iranian Revolution in 1980. Her 24-year-old brother, Bahram, was killed by suspected government agents in Tehran, and her father—who was the Anglican Bishop of Iran—narrowly survived an assassination attempt. He was a Christian convert from Islam, and Bishop Guli grew up in a distinct Persian church led by the missionary movement, which remains close to her heart.

In her prayer, Bishop Guli who is said to be a contender to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury—calls on people to pray for “the people of Iran and the wider Middle East, at this time of fear and uncertainty.”

She prayed: “Be near to those who are anxious; bring comfort to all who are suffering.

“Guide those with the power to make decisions, and lead them in the ways of wisdom, compassion, and moderation: that people of goodwill would seek harmony and reconciliation.

“Join us with our Christian brothers and sisters in all places, in praying for peace and justice, through him who is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Posting on the social media site X, the bishop said the prayer was “for the whole region, including Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank—the innocent who will suffer in this conflict.”

Bishop Guli’s prayer comes as the Israeli military confirmed it has attacked Iran’s nuclear facility at Fordow, a day after it was targeted by U.S. airstrikes.