Last week five members of the Church of Iran were sentenced to one year’s imprisonment for ‘Crimes against the Islamic Order’. They have 20 days to appeal. The five have spent eight months in Shiraz prison for apostasy, political meetings, blasphemy and crimes against the Islamic Order. Four charges were dropped and they were released on bail last month. Most of the group have been in cycles of 'detention and release' by the authorities for a number of years and some have suffered severe levels of torture during previous detentions. In the period between his arrest and late November Pastor Sadegh-Khanjani was held in solitary confinement, given access to his attorney only once and is unwell due to unhygienic conditions and beatings. Pastor Sadegh-Khanjani from Tehran was arrested three times in four years for his faith.

Pray: God’s presence will surround Iran’s persecuted Christians and that He would influence decisions made concerning their future. (Ps.140:12)

More: http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=press&id=1126&search=

On Wednesday, possibly referring to a loophole in the deal with the West, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that no new nuclear fuel will be produced, no new components will be installed, but the Islamic Republic will press on with building at a heavy-water reactor despite an agreement with Western powers to halt activity. The uncompleted heavy-water research reactor emerged as one of several crucial issues in negotiations in Geneva when Iran agreed with six world powers to curb Tehran's nuclear programme for six months in return for limited sanctions relief. Experts have said an apparent gap in the text could allow Tehran to build components off-site to install later in the nuclear reactor. It was not immediately clear if Zarif was referring to this or other construction activity. The West believes the reactor would produce plutonium, one of two materials, along with enriched uranium, that make the fissile core of a nuclear bomb.

Pray: that the Lord would reign over Iran’s leaders causing them to move forward with honest and honourable communication and action. (Ps.83:18)

More: http://www.jpost.com/Iranian-Threat/News/Iran-Construction-will-continue-at-Arak-nuclear-site-333166

Last month President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad boycotted public duties for eight days after Supreme Leader Khamenei vetoed his sacking of the Intelligence Minister (an ally of the supreme leader). The clash over controlling the intelligence ministry triggered conservative backlashes against the president that show little sign of abating. Under Iranian law, the president has the right to dismiss ministers. But Khamenei is Iran's ultimate wielder of power. Conservative parliamentarians have warned Ahmadinejad he could face impeachment if he refused to obey Khamenei. The votes of at least one third of parliament's 290 lawmakers are required for impeachment of the president. The head of the Revolutionary Guard (who reports directly to the supreme leader) warned, ‘Certain people within the regime have forgotten the values of revolution and seek to misrepresent Islam. People do not follow demons or jinns, and will not tolerate such deviance.’ The conservative parliament has opposed the government frequently in recent months and launched a petition demanding that Ahmadinejad come before parliament to explain his behaviour.

Pray: for a Holy Spirit awakening and spiritual revolution over and throughout Iran. (Ep.5:14)

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