Iranian Americans in Chicago Pray for Regime Change and Religious Freedom

Iranian American Christians in the suburbs of Chicago are supporting a U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran, praying for the collapse of the country’s theocratic government and the establishment of religious freedom in their homeland.

At the Kheimeh Molaghat church in Addison, Illinois, congregants and leadership have expressed strong support for the conflict, which began on February 28, 2026. The community views the military action as a potential path toward the overthrow of the Islamic Republic’s leadership and the end of persecution against Christians and other religious minorities.

The position of these Iranian American believers stands in direct contrast to the stance of global Catholic leadership. Pope Leo XIV and other Roman Catholic leaders have resolutely criticized the war, arguing that God rejects war and calling for a diplomatic resolution and a ceasefire to end the violence.

Prayers for Regime Change

During a Palm Sunday service, the Rev. James Shahabi, pastor of the Kheimeh Molaghat church, led the predominantly Iranian American congregation in prayers for a new, more democratic regime. The pastor prayed for God to tear down the darkness power from Iran and bring his kingdom and give people peace, and for the name of God to be glorified freely within the country.

For many members of the congregation, the desire for regime change is rooted in personal trauma. Aria Bahraman, a congregant at the church, has experienced religious oppression in Iran, including having a home raided by authorities due to the Christian faith. In Iran, converting to Christianity is illegal and can result in death, a reality that has led many members of the Addison church to flee to the United States to worship freely.

The Kheimeh Molaghat church has a history of supporting those remaining in Iran, including active efforts to smuggle Bibles into the country over the years.

Divided Christian Perspectives

The conflict in Iran has created a stark divide within the broader Christian community. While the Iranian diaspora in Chicago champions the military operation in hopes of gaining liberation and religious freedom, the Vatican has maintained a position of opposition.

Pope Leo XIV’s criticism of the U.S.-Israeli war was highlighted during his presiding over the Easter vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The Catholic leadership’s call for peace contrasts with the hopes of the Iranian American congregants who see the war as a means of renewal for their native land.

The engagement of the Iranian diaspora extends beyond local church services. On March 29, 2026, members of the Kheimeh Molaghat church traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend a rally of the Iranian diaspora.

As the community prepares to celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter, the members of the church continue to call for the liberation of their homeland while the fate of the Iranian government remains uncertain amid the ongoing five-week war.