Iran threatening Tehran's historic Qavam Church in latest move against Iranian Christian minority

What Happened

Iranian security forces reportedly entered the historic Saint Peter Evangelical Church in Tehran, also known as Qavam Church, to identify residents and issue eviction notices to 20 families living on the premises. According to Sasan Tavassoli, a minister with the Presbyterian Church in Iran, authorities have already seized a 10,000-square-meter garden associated with the church, which is reportedly occupied by four Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials under a newly issued deed. This action follows the reported seizure and demolition of a church in Mashhad in early June, which was executed under the authority of the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO).

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The seizure of the Qavam Church reflects a broader state-led campaign of repression against Iran's Christian minority, which experts suggest is driven by regime concerns over rising conversion rates and internal dissent. By targeting established religious institutions, the Iranian state is utilizing Article 49 of the constitution to consolidate control over assets belonging to religious minorities, signaling a hardening of domestic policy toward non-Islamic faiths.

Watch For

Monitor for further evictions of the 20 families residing at the Qavam Church compound and potential international responses from religious freedom advocacy groups or foreign governments regarding the systematic seizure of minority-owned properties.