Iran in the 1980s: A Decade of Revolution, War, and Social Turmoil

Ethnic tensions also came to the fore during this decade. Iran is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, including Kurds, Arabs, and Baluchis. The Kurds in particular sought greater autonomy in the face of government repression. The regime’s heavy-handed tactics in dealing with ethnic dissent further exacerbated the situation, resulting in violent clashes and a sense of alienation among minority communities.