History of Kurdish Uprisings in Iran

The current mobilization of Kurdish fighters near the Iraq–Iran border is not an isolated development. It represents the latest chapter in a long and complex history of Kurdish resistance movements inside Iran.

For more than a century, Kurdish communities in western Iran have periodically challenged central government authority, demanding greater autonomy, cultural rights, and political representation. These struggles have taken many forms, ranging from political activism to armed insurgencies.

Understanding the historical context of Kurdish uprisings in Iran is essential to understanding why Kurdish militants today believe a new conflict could emerge.

March 13, 2026 | 5:35 pm