NEWS CENTER – Following the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, the Iranian regime has intensified its crackdown on the Kurdish population. Journalist Hiva Zarie stated that the regime aims to suppress Kurdish demands for autonomy through increased repression, in order to prevent a potential popular uprising.

 

The attacks launched by Israel on June 13 against Iran ended with a ceasefire after 12 days. However, following the ceasefire, pressure and attacks on opposition groups inside Iran intensified. During the conflict and in the days that followed, hundreds of Kurdish, Baluchi, and women activists were arrested, while approximately 20 political prisoners were sentenced to death on charges of “collaborating with Israel.”

 

Journalist Hiva Zarie, who reports from the region, shared her insights on the regime’s increasing pressure, especially in Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan) and other areas.

 

CRACKDOWN INTENSIFIES IN KURDISTAN

 

Describing the increasing repression against Kurds as a form of discrimination, Zarie said: “After the 12-day Iran-Israel war, Iran launched a new wave of repression in Kurdish regions. Numerous human rights organizations have reported a rise in detentions and arrests targeting Kurds. With these actions, the regime is attempting to create a 'security atmosphere' in the region.”

 

Zarie emphasized that the repression is not limited to arrests: “Security checkpoints have been established in Kurdish cities, and civilian patrols have been increased. People are being arrested without court orders. The regime has created an atmosphere of fear and terror. These actions once again expose the Islamic Republic's discriminatory and oppressive policies against the Kurdish people.”

 

‘DEMAND FOR AUTONOMY IS BEING CRUSHED’

 

Zarie noted that repression against Kurds predates the recent war with Israel: “The Kurdish demand for autonomy has always been viewed as a threat by the regime. These demands have been met with bombardments, increased military pressure, and mass executions. This approach has continued for decades and has intensified since the recent war, under the pretext of national security. Reports indicate that over 300 Kurdish citizens have been arrested on fabricated charges of ‘collaboration with Israel’ or ‘activities against national security.’

For example, in Saqqez, two brothers named Milad and Hadi Rahimi were arrested without a court warrant, and their whereabouts remain unknown. In Urmia, individuals like Idris Ali and Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul were executed on baseless charges—revealing how punishment is used as a tool of intimidation.”

 

‘THE REGIME FEARS A KURDISH UPRISING’

 

According to Zarie, the regime is fearful of the organized political tradition of Kurdish resistance: “The regime fears the Kurdish people’s history of civil and political resistance. There is concern that Kurdistan could once again become the epicenter of mass protests. Several sources inside Iran confirm that security officials are worried about a possible uprising in Kurdish regions.”

 

‘THE GOAL IS TO MASK MILITARY FAILURES’

 

Another reason for the increasing pressure, according to Zarie, is the regime’s intent to suppress social dissent: “By using unfounded accusations like spying for Israel, the regime is cracking down on activists and silencing local communities. These repressive tactics are also an effort to divert public attention from military failures and internal economic crises. Having suffered heavy losses during the 12-day conflict, the regime is now intensifying its focus on so-called ‘internal threats’ to consolidate power.”

 

‘KURDISH DEMANDS MUST BE RECOGNIZED’

 

Zarie emphasized that the regime’s discriminatory policies harm national unity and social peace: “The Islamic Republic’s oppressive policies toward Kurds are not only blatant violations of human rights but also deepen ethnic divisions and internal instability.”

 

She underlined the legitimacy of Kurdish demands: “Instead of responding to these demands, the regime has militarized Kurdish areas and carried out mass arrests, escalating tensions. This security-centered, authoritarian approach targets not only Kurds but also civil society activists, journalists, and university professors throughout Iran. These practices reflect the regime’s fear of any kind of protest.”

 

‘INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE IS NEEDED’

 

Zarie concluded with a call for action from the international community: “The international community and human rights organizations must pressure Iran to end its repressive practices and respect the rights of minority peoples. As part of the Iranian nation, Kurds have the right to express their demands in a free and safe environment. Continuing these discriminatory policies is dangerous not only for Kurds, but for all of Iranian society and the broader stability of the region.”

 

MA / Berivan Kutlu