Iran's Baha'i Community Faces Increased Persecution Amid National Crisis

Escalating Persecution of Baha'is in Iran

Geneva – February 3, 2026 – As the Iranian populace demands justice and improvements in their nation, they are met with violence and repression. The Baha’i International Community (BIC) expresses deep concern over the Iranian government's intensified efforts to blame the Baha’is during this national crisis, a tactic consistent with its historical behavior, as seen in state media and through heightened persecution.

Throughout various national crises since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iranian authorities have systematically targeted the Baha’i community with false accusations and coordinated disinformation campaigns. This current situation mirrors those past patterns.

In the last week, Channel 2 state television aired programs disseminating false claims against the Baha’i community, including coerced confessions from Baha’is. Reports indicate a rise in the arrests and detentions of Baha’is nationwide.

On February 1, the regime's main media outlet, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), aired so-called 'confessions' from two Baha’is related to the protests, which were clearly obtained under duress. Human rights organizations have long documented the practice of forced confessions in Iranian prisons, where detainees face pressure, threats, and torture to extract false admissions. Broadcasting such confessions marks a significant escalation in the government's campaign against the Baha’i community.

For decades, Iranian authorities have attempted to rationalize the persecution of Baha’is through hate speech and scapegoating. However, both Iranians and the international community are increasingly aware of the unfounded nature of these claims, as the government has never provided any credible evidence to support its allegations.

Ms. Fahandej, the BIC Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, stated, 'This is yet another effort by the Iranian government to distort the truth and mislead its citizens. This tactic is transparent, and its lack of foundation is evident. During every national crisis, the Baha’is have been consistently scapegoated.'

'The Baha’i community is frequently among the first to face false accusations and targeted disinformation campaigns. This pattern is repeating itself,' she added.

'Despite the false allegations and severe persecution, the Baha’is in Iran have shown resilience and a commitment to serving their country without resorting to violence,' Ms. Fahandej emphasized. 'Guided by their Faith, they have consistently rejected violence throughout decades of persecution, choosing instead to uphold their principles and the truth. Their quest for rights is rooted in a desire to contribute positively to their sacred homeland.'

During the recent UN Special Session on Iran at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the BIC highlighted that, in addition to the Baha’i community's long-standing persecution, many others in Iran are now facing injustices. The BIC expressed condolences regarding the loss of life reported across the nation.

'All Iranians, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background, deserve to have a significant role in shaping their country. This is a fundamental human right that no government can take away,' Ms. Fahandej stated.

'The Baha’is in Iran have suffered injustice and persecution for four decades, driven by their love for their country and a desire to contribute to its progress and well-being,' she concluded. 'The BIC urges the international community to firmly denounce the scapegoating and persecution of Baha’is and advocate for justice for all Iranians.'