Iran's Minorities Drive Calls for Democratic Change Amid Ongoing Protests
Ethnic minorities in Iran, comprising nearly half of the nation's population, are playing a significant role in ongoing civil unrest and calls for political reform. Groups such as Kurds, Azeris, Lurs, Baluchis, Arabs, Turkmens, Qashqais, Armenians, Assyrians, Syriacs, and Afghan communities have long faced socioeconomic marginalization and discrimination, which continues to fuel their participation in mass protests across the country.
Southern Tehran, known for its ethnic diversity and economic hardship, has historically served as a hub for many minority families, including those displaced by regional conflicts. Persistent unemployment and inflation--reaching 48.6% in late 2025--have disproportionately impacted these communities. While the official unemployment rate hovered above 9% in 2024, it remains markedly higher among minorities and young people, many of whom are at the forefront of the current demonstrations.
Iran's political past reveals a pattern of external interference and internal suppression. Notable events such as the 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddeq, orchestrated with foreign involvement, and the 1979 revolution, which led to the formation of the Islamic Republic, have left lasting marks on the country's political landscape. Today's demonstrators carry a historical awareness of the risks of foreign intervention and the repeated suppression of popular movements.
Recent protests have seen widespread participation from minority regions. For example, a coordinated strike in 39 Kurdish cities in early January 2026 temporarily shut down local businesses and demonstrated the organizational capacity of these groups. Despite fears of their movement being hijacked by external actors, participants emphasize the indigenous nature of their demands for change.
Iran's minorities have a history of political organization, as illustrated by the brief existence of the Kurdish Republic of Mahabad in 1946. This self-governed region encompassed several cities in northwest Iran and remains a symbol of minority aspirations for self-determination. The legacy of Mahabad and similar movements challenges the simplified narrative of Iran as a homogenous political entity, instead highlighting longstanding efforts among minorities to assert their rights.
Data from human rights organizations shows that minorities remain disproportionately affected by state crackdowns. In 2025, nearly half of all detained adults were Kurdish, while the vast majority of detained children were either Kurdish or Baluchi. Despite these challenges, minority groups continue to organize and advocate for systemic change.
Collective statements from various minority organizations and women's movements have outlined a vision for Iran's future that rejects any return to previous forms of central hegemony. Instead, they call for a new political order based on democratic federalism, direct democracy, and local self-governance, while opposing all forms of foreign interference.
As Iran's political crisis persists, the country's minorities are articulating clear, actionable alternatives to centralized rule. Their vision centers on inclusive governance, equitable economic opportunities, and recognition of diverse cultural identities. These ongoing efforts underscore the potential for a sustainable, pluralistic future in Iran, shaped by those who have long been at the margins of power.