Separatism in Iran

There are several separatist movements in Iran, most of which are associated with a particular minority ethnic group. Iran is a highly diverse country: in 2015, it was estimated that Persians―Iran's dominant ethnic group―only made up about 61% of the Iranian population.

Some researchers believe that Iran's ethnic divisions present a viable threat to the country. They argue that the economically disenfranchisement of ethnic minorities, combined with policies to limit political, social, and cultural rights, promote further unrest. A 2005 report by Amnesty International found that the Iranian government supported policies that economically disenfranchised ethnic minorities and limit their political, social, and cultural rights.

Other researchers argue that the ethnic divide in Iran is overstated, pointing to a study which found that many people in Iran identify with more than one ethnic group.

Khuzestan province

Khuzestan is a region in the southwest which is inhabited by Khuzestani Arabs, who comprise about 33% of its population. Arabs have lived the area that now consists of the Khuzestan province before it was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate in the 7th century. Arab immigration continued during the Safavid and Qajar eras. These dynasties were not concerned with the language spoken in the region, and the region was not economically important until the early 20th century.