Shiite Persians are the majority, but other groups like Azeris, Kurds, and Arabs have significant populations and historical grievances against the regime in Tehran.

Shiite Persians make up 51 percent of Iran's population. Yet communities like the Azeris, Kurds, Balochs and Arabs also number in the millions. Historically, they have often been ignored or mistreated by the regime in Tehran, both under the shah and the Islamic Republic. These ethnic minorities could play a role in the current conflict raging in the Middle East. FRANCE 24's David Gilbert and Florent Marchais report.