Naghmeh Abedini, wife of former Iran prisoner Pastor Saeed, is not optimistic that their marriage can overcome the challenges they are currently facing. On Mother's Day, Naghmeh issued an update on her Facebook page about her relationship with Saeed.

"Some of you have asked updates on our family. I don't have any more update than the last one I provided in March. I love Saeed and our family and am praying for healing and restoration. Things do not look promising right now, but I have not given up in praying," she says.

Naghmeh also gave thanks to the friends she has made on social media and told them how invaluable their words of support have been for her wellbeing.

"Although I might not have met some of you in person, you have become my true friends and God has used you in my life through your prayers and messages," she tells them.

Naghmeh earlier accused her husband of sexually abusing her throughout their marriage. Saeed has denied her claims.

Other women shared their experiences on her Facebook page. One woman said she endured a verbally abusive relationship for several years until God finally gave her the strength to get out of it. 

"Keep praying as I know you are, [you're] a strong woman of faith and God honours that. He will deliver you from all evil. Stand on His word and know how much He loves you," she told Naghmeh.

Saeed and Naghmeh have agreed to seek counselling and work on their marriage, and despite the allegations Saeed has continued with public speaking engagements since his return to the US.

He was freed this year after several years in an Iranian prison, and news of their marital woes, which only came to light after he was released, took the Christian community by surprise as Naghmeh had tirelessly campaigned for his release during his imprisonment, even meeting US President Barack Obama.

Saeed has strenuously denied the allegations of abuse, claiming that they are an attack by Satan to prevent him from preaching the Gospel.