Iran: a new Supreme Leader
12 Mar 2026
Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei. For years he has been influential behind the scenes, often described as a gatekeeper to his father and closely connected to key centres of power. His wife Zahra was reportedly killed in the same Israeli air strike that killed his father. Although he lacks broad public recognition and has never held elected office, reports indicate he has the backing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful security force which underpins the state. His appointment is likely to reinforce the existing direction of Iran’s leadership during a period of intense regional conflict and internal pressure. Observers note that many Iranians who have called for reform will see little sign of change in this appointment, which might give Donald Trump a strategic advantage in his war of words with Tehran. Breaking news: on 12 March, a message was read out on state television, said to come from the new Supreme Leader, vowing that Iran would fight on. See
More than 300 people, including many women and children, have been abducted after militant fighters attacked the town of Ngoshe in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state. Local officials say the assault likely came in retaliation for the recent killing of three Boko Haram commanders by Nigerian forces. The attack forms part of a wider wave of violence across the region, with additional assaults reported in several nearby communities. Although the military says troops repelled some attacks, soldiers were also killed during the fighting. Mass kidnappings have become increasingly common in Nigeria, particularly in remote areas where security is limited. Armed groups often arrive on motorbikes, raid villages quickly, and disappear into remote bushland before troops can respond. Among the militant groups operating in the region are Boko Haram, IS, and other armed gangs which engage in kidnapping and illegal mining. Analysts warn that cross-border militant cooperation and new technologies such as drones are strengthening these groups, while many communities remain vulnerable to ongoing violence.
Egypt: tourism has rebounded since Covid, but many struggling with living costs due to war
12 Mar 2026
Egypt’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly in recent years, reaffirming its importance to the national economy. In 2025 the country welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, a 21% increase from the previous year, while tourism revenues reached €14.17 billion - more than 20% above pre-pandemic levels. This recovery follows the sharp decline in 2020 when travel restrictions caused revenues to fall dramatically. Authorities expect continued growth in 2026, supported by increased air travel, including a significant rise in charter flights, and the development of destinations such as El Alamein, Siwa and the North Coast. The government is investing in infrastructure, with plans for more than 200,000 new hotel rooms and expanded airport capacity. However, due to the new Middle East conflict many Egyptians are at present struggling with rising living costs: higher transport costs are pushing up food prices, leaving both vendors and families facing growing financial strain. See
Six members of Iran’s women’s national football team have chosen to remain in Australia after taking part in the Asian Cup, requesting humanitarian protection amid concerns for their safety if they returned home. The players had travelled to Queensland for the tournament shortly before the conflict involving Iran began. Attention focused on the team after they did not sing the national anthem before a match on 2 March, a moment which observers saw as either a gesture of protest or of mourning for the US-Israeli attacks on their country. Iranian media commentators have strongly criticised the silence, and reportedly threats have been voiced against them, regarding them as disloyal during wartime. After security assessments, the Australian authorities granted temporary humanitarian visas to six team members, allowing them to stay for twelve months while considering longer-term options. The other members of the squad chose to return to Iran with the rest of the delegation.
Haiti continues to face severe insecurity as armed gangs control large areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince. In efforts to confront the violence, Haitian security forces, supported by private contractors, have used quadcopter drones carrying explosives in anti-gang operations since March last year. According to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), these strikes have killed at least 1,243 people (including sixty civilians) and injured 738. Many of the attacks have occurred in densely populated neighbourhoods, raising serious concerns about civilian casualties. One strike reportedly killed nine people, including three children, and injured several others. Residents describe the devastating impact on families living in gang-controlled areas. HRW and UN officials have warned that some strikes appear disproportionate and may violate international law. The UN has also indicated that there are currently no clear signs that these incidents are being formally investigated.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
We are pleased to bring you the March edition of IPC Connections!
It really is a joy to have you with us as we seek to be ‘Exalting Jesus, catalyzing united prayer for Kingdom transformation of peoples, cities and nations’.
We trust that you will be blessed and encouraged as you read the articles, news and resources this month.
One Miracle Night - Global Day of Prayer for Muslim Peoples - 16th March 2026
We invite you to join millions of believers from churches and Christian ministries around the globe, as we unite for 24-hours of prayer for Muslim Peoples.
This will be an opportunity to pray together, exalting Jesus Christ as King throughout the Muslim world, asking the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers to every unreached Muslim people group!
We have produced an insightful ‘One Miracle Night’ Prayer Guide that is available in multiple languages online HERE
Do Join us Online!
All are welcome to join us as we pray online with IPC’s Global Family 24-7 Prayer community across the 24 hours.
You can register for an instant link to join us HERE
We have written a worship song for the Day of Prayer entitled ‘Call Upon His Name’. Watch and listen to it HERE!
I am pleased that we are also able to bring to you some inspirational worship songs that were written and produced by our friends in a large church-planting movement. They are a taster of the 8,000+ songs and hymns that are being distributed across many underground churches during this season!
This will be the second of our 5 worldwide days of prayer for 2026! – Watch this Intro Video!
Let's be praying for Kingdom breakthrough across these key Muslim world cities!
7 Days of Prayer for Muslim Peoples - 9th-15th March, 2026
Launched this week! - we invite you and your families, contacts and networks to join us as we pray for 7 days, in the lead up to the One Miracle Night - Global Day of Prayer - for Great Commission breakthroughs across Muslim peoples & cities.
To guide your prayers, IPC colleagues have researched and written an adult prayer guide, entitled ‘Until the Veil is Lifted’, which has been published in 30+ languages (online) and is free from the 110 Cities website. It’s a brilliant resource.
The IPC Media Team have published a companion Children's Guide entitled ‘Shine for Jesus!’ that includes songs, daily stories and ‘Justin’s Thoughts’ written by Justin Gunawan.
Editorial – ‘The God who Sings – Worship and Warfare’ - Dr Jason Hubbard
We would encourage you to read this month’s Editorial article entitled ‘The God who Sings – Worship and Warfare’.
Dr Jason Hubbard calls us into the powerful connection between worship and spiritual breakthrough. From hidden house churches to global prayer movements, this stirring editorial reveals how praise fuels mission, shapes theology, and releases God’s presence. Discover why worship is both heaven’s language and the Church’s frontline weapon today.
Read it below or download it HERE
7 Keys to Effective Prayer – Teaching Series
This week, we have released Part 2 of the ‘7 Keys to Effective Prayer’ series.
Discover the life-changing power of 'Abiding in Christ'. This session explores prayer as deep relationship, not striving — drawing near to Jesus, receiving His love, and bearing lasting fruit through daily fellowship with Him.
Watch / listen to Dr Jason Hubbard's video on THIS LINK
Regional Updates
IPC’s 24 Regional Prayer Council leaders are regularly meeting to pray with their national and regional leaders, and to share news, resources and encouragements.
We are humbled and overwhelmed to have recruited more than 23,000 subscribers for ‘Praying God’s Word – 365 Days of Prayers’ on the YouVersion Bible app! Do join us HERE!
We were also extremely encouraged to hear that more than 3 million people clicked through the recent YouVersion daily Bible verse, ‘Tsunami’ worship anthem, and devotional and testimonial from IPC’s East Asia Prayer Council Director – Akira Mori. The theme was "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the Lord" (Hab 2:14) to coincide with our Global Day of Prayer for the Buddhist world.
We have composed a similar mix of a devotional, prayers, a worship song and a testimonial for the YouVersion daily bible verse on Monday 16th March, to coincide with One Miracle Night – based on Psalm 105:1. I trust you will be blessed and encouraged by this!
2BC’s next 24 hour Shine! Online event takes place on Tuesday 14th April!
We will be praying for the vision of 2BC, for children and youth across Ethiopia, and for the success of the Light of the World movie and its Gospel vision. Do join us!
Prayers for Peace in the Middle East
Let’s continue to uphold the turbulent war situation in Iran and the Middle East at this time.
We have received this compelling ‘Edict for Lasting Peace in Iran’ written by leaders across the underground Churches in Iran. Do circulate this powerful prayer – and contend as you are led until their request becomes a reality in this beloved nation.
We shared some prayer pointers in a Prayer Alert along with an emotive letter and prayer from Anne Graham Lotz, last week - that are still relevant.
Will you become an IPC Prayer Flame Partner?…
“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” (Leviticus 6:13)
Your faithful prayers are such a blessing to us - and for that, we’re deeply grateful.
The opportunities before us are vast and exciting. To fully embrace this moment, we need a devoted family of monthly supporters to help keep the fire of prayer burning brightly across the nations - just as God commanded His altar fire never to go out.
That’s why we’re inviting you to become an IPC Prayer Flame Partner.
Your monthly gifts - no matter the size - will help sustain and spread this global movement of united prayer, ensuring that the flame on God’s altar of intercession never dies out.
We’ve made it simple and secure to give monthly online through PayPal. Every gift matters. Every prayer fuels the vision. Will you help keep the fire burning?
Click Here to support IPC monthly via PayPal, or visit www.ipcprayer.org/donate
Together, let’s keep the fire on the altar blazing - and see the world transformed by prayer!
With Grateful Thanks…
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
Thank you for your continued partnership with International Prayer Connect. Your prayers, passion, and perseverance are making an eternal difference.
You are part of a growing army of intercessors - lifting up the name of Jesus and contending for Kingdom breakthrough across the nations.
Together, we are lighting the fires of revival and preparing the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3).
May your heart be strengthened, your faith renewed, and your prayers filled with fresh fire from Heaven.
Every blessing,
Jason Hubbard - Director
International Prayer Connect
Disclaimer… The views and opinions expressed in IPC Connections and the articles on our website are those of individuals and our partner organisations. They do not necessarily represent the policies or views of IPC or its individual leaders.
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‘The God who Sings – Worship and Warfare’ – by Dr Jason Hubbard
Songs rooted in Scripture form our understanding of who God is — His holiness, mercy, justice, and love. Whether in a cathedral or a living room, songs of praise draw us into His presence. Music reaches places where words alone cannot. In persecution, grief, or fear, worship songs become prayers when strength fails.
One of the underground house church movements in the Muslim world has sent out thousands of laborers this year to several key cities to prayer walk these cities, praying onsite with insight – and to encourage the existing house church movements. This year they have also deployed several thousand digital worship hymnals into unreached and persecuted communities across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Each hymnal is loaded onto a secure microSD card — designed for discreet, phone-to-phone distribution. The songs are written by local believers, shaped by their musical traditions, and strengthened with clear, accurate biblical theology. The delivery infrastructure is in place. The leaders are mobilized. The songs are ready!
As it declares in Malachi 1:11, “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts”
The promise is that from the rising of the sun to its setting: every hour of the day and in every geographic place, incense (the prayers of the saints) and a pure offering (worship and praise) will come up before the Lord so that the fame of his name will spread like fire across the earth!
This is happening in real time today in strategic unreached cities and nations in the Muslim world!
Right now around the throne there is unceasing adoration – worship, praise, declaration, and praise to the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb (Rev. 4:8, 5:8-12). May this be the same pattern on earth as it is in heaven! He is Worthy!
God is passionately committed to the fame of his name and that he be worshipped by all the peoples of the world.
- “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (Ps 96:3).
- “Make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted” (Isaiah 12:4).
- He does his mighty works in history “that [his] name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Romans 9:17).
Worship is the goal and the fuel of missions:
Missions exist because worship doesn’t. Missions is our way of saying: the joy of knowing Christ is for all. And that’s why we go. Because we have tasted the joy of worshiping Jesus, we want all the families of the earth included.
“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you” (Ps 22:27).
As John Piper writes, “You can’t commend what you don’t cherish. You can’t proclaim what you don’t prize. Worship is the fuel and the goal of missions”
The Lord is orchestrating a global worship movement across the nations!
Isaiah 61:11, “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.”
Worship-based Prayer
All true prayer starts with an invitation to adoration as Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” As Pete Greig says, “No one stares up at the northern lights thinking, ‘Wow, I’m incredible’ We are hardwired for wonder, and therefore to worship!”
Worship is the response of all that we are based on the revelation of all that God is. Prayer often begins with requests, but true prayer begins with worship. If we only seek God’s hand—what He can give us—we may miss His face. But if we seek His face first in worship, He gladly opens His hand and provides everything we truly need.
Worship as Warfare
Hebrews 2:11 quotes Psalm 22:22: “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation, I will sing your praise.” Jesus leads us in songs of praise to the Father in the midst of the people of God!
In this same Psalm, 22:3, the psalmist declares that God is enthroned on the praises of His people. Praise creates a space where God’s presence is welcomed and honored. God inhabits our praise, acts as King and the enemy must flee - Light shatters darkness!
One of the worship leaders in Israel, serving at a 24/7 house of prayer and praise, had a powerful dream one night. In the dream, she was standing somewhere near the throne – she didn’t see the Lord or hear his voice, but she heard music and songs. The song being sung was the same one they often sang in their house of prayer.
She asked one of the angels in the dream, why are you singing our songs?
And the angel turned to her and said, you are singing OUR songs!
The Lord had given the singers and musicians in this house of prayer one of the songs of heaven - Wow!
Lord give us ears to hear what your Spirit is saying to the churches in these days and may we sing the very songs of heaven that honor and glorify the absolute worth of Jesus!
Throughout history, songs have carried the message of faith across nations. Worship becomes both a declaration of truth and an invitation for others to encounter the living God.
Scripture reveals that worship is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. The apostle Paul reminds believers:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh… the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5)
Our ultimate weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God! Paul calls us to wield this sword, praying and singing God’s word (Eph. 6:17-18, 5:18-20).
Praise shifts the spiritual atmosphere. It lifts our focus from fear and confusion to the honor, glory and sovereignty of God. Throughout the Bible, we see worship preceding victory, whether in the songs of Israel, the Psalms of David, or the praises of the early church.
Anointed music can bring peace where turmoil once ruled. In 1 Samuel 16:23, when David played his harp before King Saul, the tormenting spirit departed, and the king found relief. The presence of God, which increased as David played his harp (Zamar praise), brought a breakthrough from the tormenting demonic spirit and the gift of shalom for King Saul.
Singing the New Song
Psalm 149:1-2, 5-9,
“Let the High praises of God be in their throats, and two-edged swords in their hands to execute vengeance on the nations”
As we sing the high praises of God declared in the Word of God (two-edged sword), the power of God releases judgment and justice in the nations. Worship is a powerful weapon of warfare!
The God who Sings
Perhaps the most breathtaking truth about singing is that God himself is a Singing God!
Zephaniah 3:17 declares:
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
This verse reveals three profound dimensions of God’s heart.
- His presence: “The Lord your God is in your midst.” God is not distant or detached. He is with His people—every moment of every day. His nearness removes fear and gives courage.
- His power: He is described as a mighty warrior who saves. Isaiah 42:13 portrays God as a victorious champion who goes forth like a warrior, stirring up His zeal and triumphing over His enemies. God fights for His people. God is a soldier. He’s dressed for battle, armed and ready. He is your champion, your defender!
- His passion and pleasure: God rejoices over us as His people. He delights in us and sings over us! Imagine the Creator of the universe bursting into song because of His love for His children. His joy is so intense that it overflows in celebration, rejoicing and songs of sheer delight! God not only loves you, now and forevermore … He is delighted to do so. He is ecstatic in His affection for you. His joy over you is almost too much for Him to bear. He sings and shouts with uninhibited happiness . . . over you! Wow!
Zephaniah also says God will “quiet you with His love.” The God who shouts with joy over His people is also the God who quiets their fears. His love silences anxiety and restores the soul.
It is as though God gathers us in His embrace and simply enjoys our presence. We can slow down and simply rest in his presence, knowing that he enjoys us even in our weariness and weakness.
This revelation of the God who loves us, enjoys us and takes great delight in us shatters spiritual strongholds in our lives. God is Good and he does all things for his Glory and our Good!
Let’s enjoy his presence, his power and his pleasure. He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him (John Piper).
Let’s together exalt Jesus and sing songs of praise over our families, cities and nations!
He is worthy and all-deserving of all our praise, all our obedience and all the affections of the human race!
Until every nation sings,
Dr. Jason Hubbard – Director
International Prayer Connect
DOWNLOAD this article HERE
Communities across the Middle East and around the globe are feeling the human impact of rising tensions as Iran names Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader amid the ongoing war with the United States and Israel. The decision comes after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, earlier in the conflict, a moment that has reverberated far beyond Tehran’s walls and into everyday lives.
For families in Iran, the appointment of a new leader does not feel like an abstract political event. Children and parents alike live with the fear of sudden violence, airstrikes that echo through the night, and uncertainty about what each new day will bring. Markets, schools, and workplaces operate not with routine but with tension weighing on every decision. Reports of missile and drone attacks from Iran into neighbouring countries, and of retaliatory strikes deep inside Iran, have made the war very real for ordinary citizens whose daily concern is simply finding safety and sustenance.
But the impact is not limited to battlefields and borders. Oil - a staple of global energy - has surged in price as markets react to the potential for prolonged conflict and disruptions to oil flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, vital for global shipping. As crude prices climb past levels not seen in years, families in distant countries face rising fuel costs that can push up the price of food, transportation, and basic goods. Even in places far from the Middle East, parents are wondering how they will stretch their budgets in the face of higher energy prices.
Amid such global strain, ordinary people are the ones whose hearts ache for peace. Workers worry about jobs and expenses; students carry the stress of watching conflicts unfold on screens; and parents whisper prayers over dinner tables, hoping for calm days ahead. For many believers, these moments are a call to prayer, to lift up not just leaders and governments, but the everyday lives of those who long for security, peace, and provision.
Through all of this, hope is found not in headlines but in the steadfast promise of God’s presence with those who fear and hope alike.
We have received this compelling ‘Edict for Lasting Peace in Iran’ written by leaders across the underground Churches in Iran.
Do circulate this powerful prayer – and contend as you are led until their request becomes a reality in this beloved nation.
We shared some prayer pointers in a Prayer Alert along with an emotive letter and prayer from Anne Graham Lotz, last week - that are still relevant.
1. Pray for families living amid war and uncertainty.
Lord, be the refuge and fortress for every family under threat. Guard towns, neighbourhoods, and hearts. Surround the vulnerable with Your peace, strengthen communities, and let Your presence drive out fear, bringing safety and hope in every moment.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever‑present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
2. Pray for those feeling Economic Pressure from Rising Oil Prices
Father, provide for families burdened by rising costs and economic strain. Open doors for provision, sustain daily needs, and give peace to worried hearts. Let Your faithful care remind every household that You are their Shepherd, guiding and supplying all they require.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
3. Pray for peace and reconciliation
Lord of peace, soften hearts divided by conflict and mistrust. Raise peacemakers who reflect Your love and mercy. Heal wounds between neighbours and nations, and let reconciliation grow where hostility once lived, so communities may walk together in justice, compassion, and hope.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Summary Prayer
Lord, we lift up families living with fear and economic strain. Bring Your peace into their homes, meet their needs, and guide leaders toward mercy and understanding. May Your presence comfort the afflicted and strengthen the weary. Amen.
More Info:
- AP News: Iran appoints new supreme leader amid U.S.-Israel strikes
https://apnews.com/article/b2aa51ef51d4b57103ffee0c95bc2ff7?utm_ - AA News: Oil prices surge past $105 per barrel after Iran names new leader
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/oil-prices-surge-past-105-per-barrel-after-iran-names-new-supreme-leader/3855629?utm_