Iran (MNN) — An exiled prince rallying support for democracy? It may sound like fiction, but last month it was reality. On July 26, more than 500 Iranian opposition activists and groups gathered in Munich, Germany. The Convention of National Cooperation to Save Iran was hosted by Iran’s crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. Its goal was to outline what a democratic transition and national rebuilding should look like in Iran.
The Convention of National Cooperation to Save Iran, July 26, 2025 in Munich, Germany (Photo by Mazi for IMM)
Denise Godwin with International Media Ministries, says seven actors from their upcoming film Esther: Queen of Hope participated in the summit.
“The Persian Empire — which [corresponds to] modern-day Iran — believed in allowing people [they conquered] to keep their own religion,” said Godwin. “Basically, the Persian people of today are saying, ‘We want to go back to what we were, where we could choose.’”
During the filming for Esther, the June Israel-Iran conflict broke out. The IMM crew prayed with the Iranian actors throughout production. Godwin said not all of the team are believers in Christ, but they all believed in the story of Esther and in a free Iran, “because it gives people the choice of freedom of religion.”
“It was marvelous to get to know them and stand with them in this idea of freedom of religion, of sharing the freedom of God back into Iran through Esther,” said Godwin.
She felt like the team was observing world history unfold this summer. “[The summit is] not making the news, but this could completely change the face of the Middle East,” she said.
“[The crown prince] made a point of saying, We’re not asking the West to do this for us. We’re asking them to stand with us as we see this regime fall.”
Political change is a fragile process. But with freedom comes greater opportunity for the Gospel to spread. So please pray!
“Let’s pray with Iranians that the country [gains] freedom of choice, freedom of religion and freedom of speech,” said Godwin. “What an opportunity to stand with brothers and sisters in Christ and pray for that kind of change in the region!”
(Photo by Mazi for IMM)
Header photo: Reza Pahlavi at The Convention of National Cooperation to Save Iran, July 26, 2025 in Munich, Germany (Photo by Mazi for IMM)