Ethno-confessional minorities in modern Iran: an overview of their history and current situation

There are about 60 ethno-confessional groups in modern Iran representing all the monotheistic religions a multitude of their branches. Official data shows an overwhelming predominance of Muslims, but there are also indications that a portion of the younger generation has been moving away from Islam toward increasingly popular Christianity and Zoroastrianism. During the Pahlavi dynasty, a policy of forced assimilation was enforced on these minority groups. After the Islamic Revolution, this practice was officially abandoned and control over minorities loosened, but many still feel they have yet to enjoy full freedom with respect to their tradition and culture. With the election of President Masoud Pezeshkian in 2024, the state of affairs with the rights of ethnic minorities has improved significantly.