Iran: Increasing tensions in Kurdish-majority areas

Event

Following a referendum for independence held in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan on September 25, the northwest region of Iran - home to many ethnic Kurds - has experienced rising tensions. Thousands of Iranian Kurds celebrated and staged demonstrations lasting up to two days in support of the vote in Iraqi Kurdistan (in which 92 percent of votes cast were in favor of independence) in cities including Baneh, Sanandaj, and Mahabad. Multiple arrests were reportedly made in connection with the demonstrations.

On Monday, October 2, Iran deployed a dozen tanks to the border with Iraqi Kurdistan, believed to be part of joint military drills conducted by the Iranian and Iraqi governments in response to the referendum.

Context

The Iranian government has voiced strong opposition to an independent Kurdistan and Iran was the first country to close its airspace to flights to and from Kurdistan following the referendum. Iran is home to approximately 8 million ethnic Kurds, a group that spreads across neighboring Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Historically, a Kurdish state called the Republic of Mahabad briefly emerged in the northwest region of Iran in 1946 before being retaken by the Iranian government.

Advice

Individuals in the northwest of Iran are advised to exercise caution and avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.