Iran stands accused by the West of playing a key role in unrest plaguing the Middle East, but is also confronted by internal woes, including several separatist movements, AFP reports.

In the impoverished province of Sistan-Baluchistan on the border with Pakistan, unrest has involved drug-smuggling gangs, rebels from the Baluchi minority, and Sunni Muslim extremists.

In southwestern Khuzestan province, home to a large Arab minority, residents have long complained of marginalisation, and some groups have also carried out several attacks in recent years.

Iran has also announced in the past the arrests of alleged agents working for foreign countries, including Israel. And it has accused Israel of sabotaging its nuclear sites and assassinating Iranian scientists.

Tehran’s “inability to protect critical nuclear and military officials and facilities against covert operations” shows its “security forces have failed at (their) primary task”, said Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project and senior adviser at the International Crisis Group think tank.

“Focused on harassing women without hijab or cracking down on civil society, Iranian security forces clearly have failed at getting their priorities right,” said Vaez.

Discontent has also grown amid economic hardship caused by years of international sanctions led by the United States, targeting key sectors such as oil.