Iranian Christians may face persecution for communicating with believers abroad and for participating in services online.

Human rights advocates are warning of this, expressing concern over a new bill in Iran, reports the portal inVictory.

Formally, the law is aimed at combating foreign espionage and interference by foreign intelligence services. However, its provisions could be used to further pressure Christians and other religious minorities.

Iran is already considered one of the countries where Christians face some of the most severe persecution. According to Open Doors, the country ranks 10th on the global list of countries where Christians find it particularly difficult to practice their faith freely.

Observers say the situation regarding religious freedom in the country has deteriorated since the start of the military confrontation with Israel and the United States. Iranian authorities often suspect Christians, especially converts from Islam, of sympathizing with Israel or Western countries.

Earlier this month, Iranian authorities declared several Christian television channels and broadcasters in the Persian language to be “hostile” entities. Severe penalties were announced for watching their programs.

Concern has now been raised over a new bill aimed at “countering the infiltration of foreign intelligence services, governments or organizations.” A warning was issued by United Christian Activists (UCA), an organization bringing together Iranian Christians and activists advocating freedom of religion.

Although the bill has not yet been adopted, UCA representatives said the published text contains overly broad wording. In their view, this could allow the authorities to interpret ordinary contacts between Iranian Christians and believers outside the country as activity connected with foreign influence.

For example, communication with Christians abroad, receiving theological education in other countries, or participating in religious meetings and services online could come under threat.

Activists also fear that problems could arise even for Christians who remain in contact with relatives living abroad and pray or discuss matters of faith with them.

As LF reported, according to the latest report by the American organization International Christian Concern (ICC), 380 million Christians around the world face persecution.