Iran has warned ‘separatist groups’ against joining the widening conflict in the Middle East and launched strikes against Iraq-based Kurds. Could the involvement of these groups increase the risk of a civil war in Iran? Nosheen Iqbal speaks to deputy head of international news Devika Bhat

The goal would be to create room for Iranians opposed to the Islamic regime to rise up, they noted.

Experts say backing Iran’s ethnic communities could ‘open up a hornet’s nest’ and increase risk of chaotic civil war