Lana Silk, Iranian-Born CEO of Transform Iran, Reacts to Trump’s Strikes and Call for Iranian Regime Change
“The people of Iran have suffered long enough under a regime that has silenced dissent and exported terror.”
GLENDALE, CA., June 23, 2025 – Lana Silk, CEO of Transform Iran, a faith-based nonprofit organization meeting the spiritual and physical needs of Iranians, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s airstrikes on Iran and Iran’s latest attacks on Israel:
“The recent airstrikes in Iran have left many Iranians, including those in the diaspora, stunned, reflective—and even celebratory. For decades, the Iranian people have longed for freedom from the oppressive regime that has ruled since 1979. These past days have felt surreal; what once seemed like a distant hope now feels within reach.
While any form of military engagement brings with it the heavy burden of civilian suffering, many Iranians are acknowledging that the strikes have delivered the most significant blow to the Islamic Republic in over four decades. The people of Iran have suffered long enough under a regime that has silenced dissent, exported terror and worked tirelessly to turn its citizens against the U.S. and Israel—including forcing citizens to chant ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel’ daily. In contrast, this moment has revealed a deep and widespread yearning among the Iranian people for liberation.
Social media in the immediate aftermath of the initial strikes from Israel lit up with celebrations. Many Iranians have openly expressed gratitude toward the Israeli government and Netanyahu, also expressing further calls for foreign intervention—pleas not made lightly, but out of desperation. ‘Come and take out our leaders,’ many wrote. ‘We want freedom.’
With Iran’s attack on Israel today despite Trump’s call for peace, it’s important to note that the Iranian regime does not negotiate in good faith. Since 1979, it has used diplomacy as a tool to stall and deceive while relentlessly pursuing its goal of exporting revolution. Both hardliners and so-called reformists have remained committed to preserving the Islamic theocracy, consistently placing ideology above the well-being of the Iranian people. Now, as war unfolds and daily life is disrupted by severe shortages of essential resources, many Iranians are facing displacement and growing fear. In the midst of this suffering, there is a desperate cry not only for freedom but for a swift end to the violence—even if that means welcoming further international intervention. The urgency of the moment underscores what the Iranian people have long known: true peace and reform will never come from within a regime that prioritizes power over its own people.
Yet amidst this turmoil, many Iranian Christians see hope, trusting in God’s sovereignty and believing He is at work. As Jeremiah 49:38 declares, “I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials.” Our hope is that this is the beginning of God’s redemptive work in Iran.
We must remain vigilant and in prayer for the Iranian people—for peace, justice and lasting freedom that only God can bring. May this be the beginning of the end of tyranny in Iran, and may the Church rise with courage to meet this historic moment.”
Transform Iran leads hundreds of active churches across Iran and provides trauma counseling, support to the bereaved, resources such as food and clothing, medical and legal support, advocacy and a wide range of humanitarian aid to the hurting people of Iran and Iranian refugees in surrounding countries. To learn more about their impact, visit transformiran.com.
About Lana Silk
Lana Silk is the Chief Executive Officer of Transform Iran, a nonprofit organization which seeks to transform Iran into a nation that bears the image of Christ. Silk was born and raised in Iran before emigrating to the UK where she completed her education at Imperial College, London. With over 20 years of marketing experience across all media, Lana considers it her life calling to represent and advocate for the people of Iran in the West.
About Transform Iran
For more than 30 years, Transform Iran has served on the front lines of the Iranian Diaspora, sharing the love of Christ, training leaders and providing aid to the persecuted. Transform Iran has a unique position in the Middle East, striving to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of many Iranians. Transform Iran also provides humanitarian relief, including emergency food and shelter, medical care and legal help for asylum, among other forms of practical aid to Iranians who have been forced to leave their country. For more information, visit transformiran.com.
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Online Newsroom:
https://alarryross.com/transform-iran
Media Contact:
Victoria Johnson, A. Larry Ross Communications
972-267-1111
Amid Islamic Indoctrination & Egregious Conditions for Middle Eastern Children, ‘Operation Christmas Joy’ Offers Hope
Transform Iran Announces Children’s Christmas Campaign, Meeting Spiritual, Emotional & Humanitarian Needs for Families
GLENDALE, CA., December 5, 2024 — As we enter into the Christmas season, Transform Iran announces its year-end campaign, “Operation Christmas Joy,” aimed to bring hope, joy and light to children and families in Iran, Turkey, Armenia, Afghanistan and beyond. As it is now bleak for Christians, refugees and other minorities in these countries, it is even worse for the children of this region of the world, making these efforts all the more worthwhile.
“Currently, we’re seeing some of the most egregious human rights violations in this region of the world towards children,” explains Lana Silk, CEO of Transform Iran. “The things that are happening are just unimaginable—from child marriage to trafficking to the harvesting of their organs. And without any ability to change their own circumstances, these children so desperately need the hope and light of Christ Jesus more than anything.”
Established in 2015, Operation Christmas Joy (OCJ) shares the joy of Christmas with children living in difficult circumstances. It started in Iran as a single event in response to needs from conflict in the Middle East, focused on providing an environment of safety and light.
“These children are being raised in environments where they are being forced to believe all things Islam,” Silk explains. “There is no room to question or voice other opinions. It’s a very confusing and burdensome reality for these children.”
Today, this Christmas effort has developed into a widespread operation to help children in various Middle Eastern countries through a series of weekly outreaches that enable the ministry to build relationships with the children, offering them a loving community, regular educational lessons and recreational activities that both build their self-esteem and strengthen their understanding of Jesus’ character.
“In our community events, they are free from any form of indoctrination—allowed to openly disagree, ask questions and process things in their own understanding; it feels safe, and the children are thriving in it,” continues Silk. “We are seeing breakthroughs in mental health too, with children suffering from anxiety and depression, finding a new kind of freedom where they can truly be themselves, where their concerns are heard and questions respected.”
At the end of the six-week program, Transform Iran presents the children with unique gifts to meet their practical needs and bring them a sense of joy. These include warm clothing or shoes, educational supplies and a thoughtfully chosen toy or treat to make the season extra special.
Transform Iran invites others to join Operation Christmas Joy this giving season to provide hope and a lasting impact to children in need. The following will provide:
$75 = A gift to a child in need, including winter clothing & personalized treats
$122 = 6 weekly events for one child & a full OCJ gift packet with clothing and treats
$470 = 6 weeks of community support for 10 children, including meals, fellowship & activities
“Our goal is for children to get to know Jesus and to be friends with him,” shares an Iranian-based partner to the ministry. “Another important goal is to invite their non-Christian friends. For them, Jesus is not only the giver of gifts but the source of joy!”
To learn more about OCJ and the ongoing efforts of Transform Iran’s ministry, including humanitarian aid, women’s ministry, Bible translations, evangelism efforts, discipleship training and more, visit https://transformiran.com/.
ABOUT TRANSFORM IRAN:
For more than 30 years, Transform Iran has served on the front lines of the Iranian Diaspora, sharing the love of Christ, training leaders and providing aid to the persecuted. Transform Iran has a unique position in the Middle East, striving to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of many Iranians. Transform Iran also provides humanitarian relief, including emergency food and shelter, medical care and legal help for asylum, among other forms of practical aid to Iranians who have been forced to leave their country. For more information, visit transformiran.com.
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Victoria Johnson
A. Larry Ross Communications
972-267-1111
Lana Silk, Iranian-Born CEO of Transform Iran, Reacts to Recent Death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
GLENDALE, CA., May 20, 2024 – Lana Silk, CEO (USA) of Transform Iran, a faith-based nonprofit organization meeting the spiritual and physical needs of Iranians, issued the following statement regarding the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi:
“While there are many questions surrounding the nature of President’s Raisi’s death, we know that the situation will only cause division and more tension within the nation of Iran. As First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber steps in as acting president and Ali Bagheri as acting foreign minister, there will be no positive change for the people of Iran as these leaders are sure to assert their authority in support of the dangerous and repressive regime.
We are witnessing a time when the Ayatollahs and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) all vie for power. When there is an internal power struggle, it disrupts everyday life within the country, and uncertainty will cause those in power to rule with an even tighter fist. Therefore, as new elections have been promised within the next 50 days in Iran, we must stay alert and pray for the nation of Iran.
Specifically, persecution against Iranian Christians will certainly remain and could intensify with these changes in leadership. Thus, we must strengthen the Church and ensure that the message of the gospel is heard throughout the nation as Iranians will be searching for solid ground during this time of uncertainty.
It is important to note that before promising restoration for Elam (modern day Iran), we hear the Lord declaring "I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials” (Jeremiah 49:38). We cannot presume to know God's mind, but could it be that he is in the process of preparing the way for what is coming next for Iran?”
Transform Iran leads hundreds of active churches across Iran, and provides trauma counseling, support to the bereaved, resources such as food and clothing, medical and legal support, advocacy and a wide range of humanitarian aid to the hurting people of Iran and Iranian refugees in surrounding countries. To learn more about their impact, visit transformiran.com.
About Lana Silk
Lana Silk is the daughter of Lazarus and Maggie Yeghnazar, founders of Transform Iran, who have served the Iranian Church their whole lives. Lana was born and raised in Iran before emigrating to the UK in the 1980s when God called her family to move West amid increasing religious persecution for Iranian Christians. Today, Lana serves as Chief Executive Officer (USA) of Transform Iran. She is tri-lingual and considers it her life calling to represent and advocate for the people of Iran in the West. Lana currently lives with her husband and three children in Ohio, actively operating Transform Iran’s mission.
About Transform Iran
For more than 30 years, Transform Iran has served on the front lines of the Iranian Diaspora, sharing the love of Christ, training leaders and providing aid to the persecuted. God has given Transform Iran a unique position in the Middle East to meet the spiritual needs of many Iranians. In addition to spiritual support, Transform Iran provides humanitarian relief, including emergency food and shelter, medical care and legal help for asylum, among other forms of practical aid to Iranians who have been forced to leave their country. For more information, visit transformiran.com.
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Online Newsroom:
https://alarryross.com/transform-iran
Media Contact:
Lauren Briggs, A. Larry Ross Communications
972-267-1111
After Three Decades of Humanitarian Efforts in Iran, ‘222 Ministries’ Re-Brands as ‘Transform Iran’
Iranian-Focused Ministry Changes Name to Reflect a New Season of Heightened Focus
GLENDALE, CA., November 21, 2022 — To better represent the full breadth and scope of its work, especially during this critical time in Iran, 222 Ministries International is now formally Transform Iran.
“Externally, the new name clearly shows who we are and what we hope to do. We see a new dawn and a new day for the people of Iran,” said Lazarus Yeghnazar, Founder and President of Transform Iran (formerly 222 Ministries). “Internally, the new name heightens focus and clarifies our vision to better serve the people of Iran.”
Through addressing societal issues of inequality, injustice, oppression, abuse and control, Transform Iran’s focus remains fully on transforming Iran into a nation where every person lives freely with the ability to express themselves fully, while also maintaining ongoing access to unbiased news, education, arts and other aspects of society that are currently controlled and filtered by the Iranian government.
“As we witness the current protests, riots and arrests in response to the recent death of Mahsa Amini who was detained and fatally beaten for failing to fully cover her hair with her hijab, there is an evident need for drastic cultural transformation,” said Yeghnazar. “We are ready and equipped to help Iranians as they fight for change.”
Prior to starting Transform Iran as 222 Ministries in 1991, Yeghnazar served in the Iranian military, acted as a liaison for government officials and developed himself as an accredited businessman in Iran, all of which provided him with invaluable knowledge regarding the inner workings of the country, thus motivating him to initiate efforts to aid his fellow Iranians.
While the organization is remaining largely the same regarding outreach and goals, the new name better reflects the nonprofit’s ongoing call to reach the whole nation of Iran with the transformative love and power of Jesus.
“Our aim extends beyond church-planting and disciple-making, but also, leadership development, business, project management, and strategic thinking to cultivate nation-transforming leaders,” said Lana Silk, Chief Executive Officer USA of Transform Iran. “We’ve been serving for more than 30 years in this country, but now there is a real sense of urgency—particularly in light of recent events.”
Ultimately, Transform Iran hopes to see restored health and wellbeing within the anguished Iranian people who currently experience outrageous proportions of depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma and suicide.
Aligning with thematic historical transformations throughout the Bible, Transform Iran believes that God has plans to radically transform the people of Iran, too. In reflecting upon the recent protests and outward cries for freedom from the Iranian people, the nonprofit is confident that God has already begun to work in many hearts across the nation of Iran, even within individuals who don’t know Jesus yet.
Transform Iran’s network of ministries work powerfully together to this end: evangelism, church planting, leadership development, discipleship, trauma counseling, Bible translation, ethnic worship, supporting the persecuted church, Bible college and apologetics ministry. Altogether, the nonprofit is unified with one common objective: to bring the love and power of Christ to Iran. To learn more about Transform Iran’s mission, vision and action, visit transformiran.com.
About Transform Iran
For more than 30 years, 222 Ministries—now Transform Iran—has served on the front lines of the Iranian Diaspora, sharing the love of Christ, training leaders and providing aid to the persecuted. God has given Transform Iran a unique position in the Middle East to meet the spiritual needs of many Iranians. In addition to spiritual support, Transform Iran provides humanitarian relief, including emergency food and shelter, medical care and legal help for asylum, among other forms of practical aid to Iranians who have been forced to leave their country. For information, visit transformiran.com.