Nournews: Contrary to the common claims made by foreign media outlets, the people of Iran exhibit the highest levels of attachment to their national and territorial identity. In recent years, some domestic and foreign analysts and politicians have put forward the unusual claim that Iranians are experiencing social divergence and declining attachment to their national identity. They argue that amid economic hardships and social crises, Iranians have distanced themselves from their homeland and that national sentiments have weakened. This perspective—reflected in certain analyses and media reports—presents a picture at odds with reality. While such narratives speak of “divergence,” the latest national surveys and scientific polls present a completely different image of cohesion and national belonging in Iran.
Surveys by the Parliament’s Research Center, based on accurate and reliable data, show that more than 92 percent of Iranians are proud of being Iranian. Despite severe economic and livelihood challenges, they remain strongly committed to their national and cultural identity. These statistics not only disprove the arguments made by some analysts but also clearly show that social cohesion in Iran, contrary to appearances, is still one of the core foundations of Iranians’ collective identity.

National Cohesion: A Capital for Progress and Development

Closer examinations by the Parliament’s Research Center reveal that Iranians, despite facing numerous economic challenges, have not only preserved their national identity but also regard it as a valuable form of social capital. One striking survey finding indicates that 92.2 percent of Iranians take pride in being Iranian—a figure that stands out not only against claims of weakened national attachment but also in the context of ongoing economic and social crises.
This high percentage of national pride functions as a powerful potential resource for the country’s progress. The social capital generated by such attachment and pride can serve not only as a source of resilience and solidarity in times of crisis but also as a driving force for improving economic and social conditions, especially in development processes.
Another important aspect revealed by the survey is the strong sense of belonging Iranians feel toward their homeland. According to the findings, 72.1 percent of Iranians feel pride and honor when hearing the national anthem. This indicates that even in the face of multiple internal and external crises, Iranians have preserved their national identity, which in turn can act as a facilitating factor in economic and social development.
A further notable finding is the willingness of Iranians to coexist and cooperate with diverse ethnic groups. The results show that 94.5 percent of respondents are willing to have close friends from different ethnic backgrounds, and 96.1 percent are prepared to work with people of various ethnicities in professional settings. These figures clearly indicate that while Iranians take pride in their national identity, they also embrace interaction and cooperation with other ethnic groups, contributing to stronger social and cultural bonds within the country.
In terms of social cohesion, the Persian language emerged as a prominent unifying symbol in the survey. According to the data, 85.2 percent of Iranians agree that Persian belongs to all Iranians rather than to a particular group or ethnicity. This broad consensus shows that Persian not only serves as a means of communication but also plays a key role as a pillar of Iranian identity and an essential tool for fostering national solidarity.
The recent surveys by the Parliament’s Research Center, contrary to what some domestic and foreign politicians have claimed, depict a reality that is very different from the alleged decline of national belonging. The data clearly prove that 92.2 percent of Iranians take pride in their Iranian identity—an identity that constitutes one of the nation’s most vital forms of social capital. This capital can not only generate resilience in the face of crises but also pave the way for progress and development in multiple spheres.
In conclusion, the image of “social divergence” and “declining attachment to Iranian identity” portrayed in certain foreign media outlets starkly contrasts with actual scientific data. With such rich social capital and a strong national identity, Iran is well-positioned to move forward in addressing economic and social challenges while advancing along the path of development and progress.