According to a video posted on CBN from 00:15:07 News on Wednesday July 15, 2026, CBN senior international correspondent George Thomas said he personally witnessed widespread religious disillusionment during his travels inside Iran, with mosques standing largely empty across the country.
Thomas made the observation while discussing a quiet shift he says is taking place among ordinary Iranians.
Thomas, who has visited more than 120 countries, said Iran remains his favorite destination because of its people, many of whom he said privately expressed frustration with the Islamic government imposed since 1979.
He said younger Iranians have begun questioning their parents about why they allowed strict religious rule to take hold decades ago.
In his words, George Thomas said, “I went to so many mosques across the nation, and they’re empty. And they’re in essence turning to secularism, but then we have all this incredible story of how today Iran is the fastest growing where Christianity is growing the fastest,” he said.
Thomas explained that many young Iranians view four decades of religious rule as having left the nation worse off, not only economically but emotionally and psychologically.
He said this generational shift has coincided with reports of rapid growth in Christianity within Iran, even as the government continues to enforce strict Islamic law publicly.
Thomas said understanding this internal religious shift is important for grasping the full picture of Iran today, alongside the government’s continued investment in military capability and its economic struggles.
He noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is among the officials who understand how deeply religious ideology shapes the regime’s decision-making, which he said remains central to interpreting Iran’s actions on the world stage, including its ongoing confrontation with the United States and Israel….See More