The situation for Iran’s ethnic minorities, particularly the Kurds, remains dire as they confront state repression amidst widespread anti-regime protests. These minorities, who represent nearly half of Iran’s population, have increasingly vocalized their opposition to Tehran’s centralized control, which they view as oppressive.
The demonstrations that erupted on December 28, 2025, were a fundamental expression of this dissent. Ethnic minorities like the Kurds played a crucial role, driven by long-standing grievances against a system that marginalizes them. The Baloch insurgency in Sistan and Baluchestan exemplifies the plight of these communities. Despite their region’s natural resources, it remains one of the poorest areas in Iran. The ongoing oppression only fuels the ambition of minority groups to seek greater autonomy or even independence.
Equally telling is the case of the Arab population in Khuzestan, where systemic discrimination has denied them equitable access to the region’s substantial oil wealth. The sense of disenfranchisement runs deep, with reports of exclusion from the economic benefits of their homeland prompting calls for dialogue. However, Arab nationalists have not engaged militarily to the same extent as their Kurdish and Baloch counterparts.
In contrast, Kurds have a vibrant political history marked by attempts to gain autonomy, with movements stretching back to the mid-20th century. Their struggles have been met with fierce repression, especially after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as Ayatollah Khomeini declared war on Kurdish aspirations. The aftermath saw the destruction of many villages and a sustained campaign against any form of Kurdish self-governance.
Today, Kurdish political parties remain illegal, labeled as terrorists by the Iranian state. Yet, they have not been silent. The recent coordination among various Kurdish factions, including a statement by seven opposition parties calling for general strikes, marks a noteworthy moment of unity against the regime. This effort emphasizes a growing recognition of the need for collaboration in their fight for self-governance.
Statistically, the impact of repression on Kurds is staggering. In 2024 alone, 136 Kurdish prisoners were executed, highlighting the brutal tactics employed by Iranian authorities to quell dissent. Amid these conditions, reports of new arrests during protests indicate that Kurds are disproportionately affected. Of the 77 arrests made, 45 involved Kurds. This suggests an ongoing pattern of targeting ethnic minorities as a strategy to suppress broader protests against the regime.
Economic hardship further complicates the narrative. The Kurdish provinces face alarmingly high unemployment rates, starkly contrasting with national averages. Such dire economic conditions only serve to heighten frustrations against both local governance and the central authority in Tehran.
While the desire for decentralization and self-governance remains a uniting theme, the divisions among Iran’s minorities reveal a complicated picture. Some Kurdish leaders are unwilling to forge alliances with exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi due to fears that his vision for Iran might replicate past oppressions. Tensions also simmer between different minority groups, with disputes over local power and resources undermining efforts for a unified front against the regime.
Despite these challenges, limited cooperation among various minority factions is emerging. Kurdish and Baloch activists exhibited solidarity during the Mahsa Amini protests, highlighting shared dissent against the regime. Institutions such as the Congress of Nationalities for a Federal Iran aim to unite these diverse groups under a common banner.
As international attention increasingly focuses on Iran’s protests, Kurdish political organizations have been vocal about the need for external support against government crackdowns. They argue that the scope of state violence signifies deep-rooted public discontent with the existing system.
The struggle of Iran’s ethnic minorities, particularly the Kurds, is marked by a complex interplay of historical grievances, economic hardships, and the ongoing quest for autonomy. Acknowledging their plight is essential for understanding the broader landscape of dissent against the Iranian regime.
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