A Christian persecution watchdog has welcomed strikes from the US and Israel that have targeted Iran’s leadership.
On Tuesday, Israeli authorities said it has carried out new attacks on Iran's "leadership compound" in Tehran, including the presidential office.
Christians have been praying and celebrating after the death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the 28th February, according to an Open Doors spokesperson.
Bahar Rad, an Iranian Christian speaking under a pseudonym for safety, told Premier Christian News: “Christians have been waiting and preparing for this day, praying that the crisis would lead to lasting freedom, dignity, and hope for all citizens.”
Reflecting on the oppression of Christians under his regime, she said: “Many faithful believers endured suffering simply for following Christ… yet even in hardship, the Church has remained resilient, prayerful, and deeply rooted in hope.
"This is not about revenge or triumph, but about the possibility of a different future. One where freedom of conscience, dignity, and justice are extended to all Iranians, regardless of faith or background.”
Rad also highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of Christians in Iran, saying: “My prayer is that this turning point will open the way for peace, reconciliation, and genuine freedom for our nation.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the UK’s decision to limit its involvement in the escalating conflict with Iran, refusing to allow US forces to use the Diego Garcia base for offensive strikes and permitting British bases to be used only for specific defensive purposes.
US President Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” in Starmer over the initial refusal, describing the delay as “probably never happened between our countries before” and noting that the operation against Iran was “well ahead of schedule.”
Retired British army officer Major General Tim Cross, told Premier Christian News that Starmer had made “the right conclusion.”
He praised the prime minister for carefully weighing Britain’s national interest before allowing defensive strikes. “Either you get involved in this or you don’t. Rightly, we have decided that we have got to support the US in a measured way,” he said.
Cross urged Christians to pray for “wisdom” among leaders and for those affected on the ground, describing warfare as “a tragic reality of a broken and sinful world.”
Sir Keir told MPs the government “does not believe in regime change from the skies,” stressing that initial permission to join US-Israeli strikes was refused because there needed to be a lawful basis and a viable, achievable plan.
The conflict has intensified with the number of people killed since US-Israeli attacks began reaching 787, according to the Red Crescent.
President Trump described the strikes as the “last, best chance” to stop Iran’s regime, while US defence officials emphasised there would not be “endless war.