Iran

7 profiled groups with documented operations in Iran — 0 Extreme-band, 0 High-band, 7 Moderate or below. Presence here describes documented operations, not a judgement about Iran or its communities; many listed groups also operate elsewhere.

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Bahá'í

Bahá'í Faith (mainstream)

Founded by Bahá'u'lláh (1863), the Bahá'í Faith is a global religion teaching unity of religions and humanity. Administered through elected institutions (Local and National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice). Forbids partisan politics, alcohol, premarital sex, and homosexual practice.

Other

Mandaeans (Sabian-Mandaeans)

Surviving ancient Gnostic monotheist tradition centred on John the Baptist as the chief prophet. ~60–70k adherents historically rooted in southern Iraq and Khuzestan, Iran; now largely diaspora after post-2003 violence.

Bahá'í

Azali Bahá'í (historical Babi remnant)

Historical 1860s split from the larger Babi/Bahá'í community following Subh-i-Azal's claim. Very small surviving community in Iran and Cyprus.

Islam

Mainstream Shia Islam (Twelver)

Mainstream Twelver Shia Islam (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain) is a low-CLCI reference point with rich scholarly and devotional tradition. The marja' al-taqlid system creates structured religious authority but adherence is voluntary.

Islam

Ismaili Shia (Nizari, Aga Khani)

Nizari Ismaili Shia, led by the Aga Khan (currently Prince Rahim, IV until 2025), is one of the most reformist and modernist global Muslim communities. Strong educational emphasis, women's equality, and substantial development work via the Aga Khan Development Network.

Islam

Mainstream Sufi Islam

Mainstream Sufism — the mystical traditions within Islam (Naqshbandi, Mevlevi, Qadiri, Chishti and others) — emphasises personal spiritual development and is generally low-control. Specific guru-led tariqas can rise much higher.

Bahá'í

Iranian Bahá'í community (state-persecuted, mainstream)

Iranian Bahá'í community is heavily state-persecuted since 1979 Islamic Revolution. Distinct from internal Bahá'í religious organisation (which is mainstream low-control).

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Complete list of 7 group profiles