BREAKING: Khamenei: The Church Is The Real Threat To The Regime—That’s Why They Keep Shutting It Down”Mitchell

According to a video posted on CBN News, on Tuesday June 23, 2026, CBN News Middle East bureau chief Chris Mitchell stated that the Iranian regime views the Christian church as a genuine and serious threat to its survival, and that this is the core reason authorities continue to target, arrest, and shut down Christian gatherings across the country. Mitchell shared these observations during a live interview from Jerusalem.

Mitchell revealed that he had recently spoken with an underground church leader who is currently outside Iran but remains connected to the situation on the ground.

That leader told him directly that the church represents a real threat to the regime, and that the government’s response has been both aggressive and calculated.

In his words, Chris Mitchell said, “I talked to an underground church leader. He’s not in Iran right now, he’s in another country, but he says the church represents the real threat to the regime. It’s why they continue to shutter churches, arrest Christians on mass.

“Also come up with new creative ways to persecute the indigenous communities of Iran and the converted community, meaning those Muslims that have converted to Christianity. House churches have become targets,” he said.

Mitchell noted that in spite of these dangers, the church continues to operate. Evangelism is ongoing, Bibles are being distributed, and believers are meeting both physically and online.

He added that many people inside Iran are searching for answers following recent violence and turmoil, and that people continue to turn to faith even in the most difficult circumstances.

Mitchell also observed that some analysts believe the regime’s increasing desperation to shut the church down is itself evidence that the authorities are losing their grip, and that they recognize the church’s influence is growing beyond their ability to fully contain it.