Middle East War Impacts Ministries in Iran and Israel

On February 28, U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes described by officials as a preventive operation aimed at neutralizing imminent threats and degrading Iran’s military capabilities, marking a significant escalation in long-standing tensions in the region.

In response to the strike, Lana Silk, President and CEO of Harvest Middle East Ministries (HMM), a long-established Iranian-led Christian ministry and humanitarian organization partnered with Intercede International that is actively serving people inside and outside Iran, requests prayer and assistance for those suffering in Iran at this time. She says, “For the regime, there is a very ideological mindset, not swayed even by the survival of its own people. Framed as a holy war for decades, this kind of rigidity cannot be underestimated. Yet we are seeing signs of moral fracture within the system. We have been praying for moral courage – for those given wicked instructions to now stand up and say, ‘No more.’ We are seeing those prayers answered. We welcome a regime change in Iran, and we are poised and ready with a strategic plan to move in when the time comes. For decades we have been training and preparing evangelists and pastors for this moment. Now our team is poised for action – to bring the powerful love of God to the hurting people of Iran. Right now, we encourage the West to pray. With God’s help, we will proclaim good news to the poor, bind up the broken-hearted, and proclaim the year of the favour of the Lord (Isaiah 61) for Iran. Our hope is not destruction, but restoration. HMM stands with the Iranian people – committed and ready to implement a detailed spiritual, emotional and practical support strategy during this critical time in the nation’s history – where thousands have been incarcerated, and thousands also killed, since protests began on December 28, 2025.”

Founders of the ministry Lazarus and Maggie Yeghnazar, who were led by God to leave Iran in 1988 with a mandate to prepare believers for a future return, reflect on the current moment, stating the following:

“Time and events in the Middle East are moving fast. We have been faithfully engaged in preparing the saints for 38 years. Now the time has come. As events continue to unfold, including uncertainty surrounding potential statements from Iran’s highest leadership, HMM remains committed to prayer, preparation and tangible support for the people of Iran.”

Strategic Prayer Points

HMM leadership requests that prayer partners intercede about the Middle Eastern conflict and those that it affects. Here are some prayer points they suggest:

• Pray for the protection of civilians in Iran, Israel, and neighbouring nations:
• Pray for global and regional leaders to have divine wisdom in decision-making.
• Pray for leaders at all levels in Iran to repent, choose unity, and consider the people’s welfare.
• Pray for those who lost loved ones, were injured, or tortured during protests and conflict.
• Pray for healing, peace, and emotional restoration for all affected.
• Pray for the Gospel to continue growing rapidly inside Iran, despite persecution.
• Pray for hearts to forgive and work toward lasting peace, even in the midst of conflict.

An Intense Time in Israel

Missionaries with Israel-based Netivah Christian Ministries have felt a personal impact from the current war.

“February 28 was a very intense day here in Israel,” reported Netivah’s Leila Goldberg to Intercede on that day. “At 5:30 a.m., I awoke to the sound of numerous low-flying fighter jets – my first indication that this would be an unusual day, even by our standards. At around 8:15 a.m., a national siren sounded, alerting us that the long-anticipated conflict with Iran had begun as Israel, together with the United States, launched a pre-emptive strike.

“Soon after, our older son was called up to report to his base as a reservist, while our youngest son continues to serve with his unit. Now that night has fallen, we are still hearing sirens and distant booms. Yet in the midst of this tension and uncertainty, we are trusting the Lord and are deeply thankful to know that you are standing with us in prayer. “

The war has caused some disruption to Netivah’s activities, reported another Netivah missionary. “We had a soldier conference planned. Unfortunately, we had to cancel it. We’ll keep things prepared for the next soldiers’ conference in June. We had a live event on March 6 and just encouraged everyone to join together, praise the Lord together, hear a devotional.

“The situation in Israel is that we have to stay close to protected areas and enter when there is an alarm – something that happens a few times a day. It depends on where you live. The current situation is affecting our staff as well. Some of us are on call, some are already serving. Please join us in prayer about our future plans, about the soldiers in Israel, about the land of Israel, and the people of Israel. Thank you for standing with us. We are truly grateful for your prayers and support.”

Netivah requests that its supporters pray:

• For wisdom for leaders in Israel, the U.S. and other nations. – James 1:5.
• For freedom and hope for the Iranian people – Psalm 146:7.
• For civilians and soldiers in Israel – Isaiah 41:10.
• For the Christians in Israel, including members of the Netivah team, that they would be a light and testimony for Yeshua (Jesus) during this time – John 1:5.

Photo: Harvest Middle East Ministries small group meeting participants.