Iran's bahá'í minority faces growing persecution amid escalating war

Leaders in the United States are sounding the alarm over the growing persecution of Bahá'ís in Iran, with hundreds of thousands of the minority faith facing increasing scrutiny under the current regime.

Bahá'í faith under threat in iran

Founded in 19th century Iran, the Bahá'í Religion centers on principles of humanity and oneness. Yet under the Iranian government, Bahá'ís have long faced persecution, with thousands arrested between 1979 and 1998, hundreds executed, and countless others forced to recant their faith.

Today, 57 Bahá'ís are imprisoned in Iran, according to Anthony Vance Sr., representative of public affairs for Bahá'ís in the U.S. He warns of the escalating dangers to these individuals, warning that if the government chooses to scapegoat Bahá'ís again, it could lead to even more severe punishment.

Vance is urging the international community to sound the alarm on the growing persecution of Bahá'ís in Iran, hoping that circumstances will arise that make religious freedom the norm rather than the exception.