Threats arising from ethnic–religious divergence constitute one of the most significant security challenges facing Iran. By undermining the country's political order and national cohesion, these threats generate complex and multidimensional security concerns. This study aims to identify and categorize the internal and external factors influencing such threats, thereby providing security institutions with a more effective and systematic framework for assessing, measuring, and prioritizing their severity. Accordingly, the central research question is: What are the principal internal and external factors influencing threats arising from ethnic–religious divergence in Iran?

The findings indicate that ethnic–religious threats are not the product of a single factor; rather, they emerge from the dynamic interaction between domestic structures and, more importantly, external pressures. The complex interplay among these factors intensifies identity-based cleavages and facilitates identity mobilization, thereby creating conditions under which social grievances can evolve into active security threats. The conceptual framework developed in this study provides an effective analytical tool for understanding these dynamics and designing proactive national security policies. Furthermore, the proposed model offers a practical foundation for evidence-based policymaking and strengthening national cohesion in addressing threats associated with ethnic–religious divergence. This research adopts a qualitative approach, with data collected through library-based sources and analyzed using a descriptive–analytical method.