So one annoyance I found in Skyrim was that I could never truly choose a race that related to what race I really am. In real life I am Persian/Iranian. But really there is no race that matches this that I could relate. In terms of culture I guess it would be Redguards but in the Elder Scrolls Redguards are simply black people. I could not for the love of Talos ever make a redguard that looks like me. In terms of general appearance that is similar to mine it would be imperial because of the darker skin with the black hair but as a Persian I can't identify as a roman. Nords are obviously a white race but in terms of character creation I can make one that looks most similar to me as I am tall but I basically stand out. Being a dunmer kinda relates to being a Middle Eastern in America in terms of racism but in terms of lore and apperance not really. Anyone know of what race being an Iranian would be most similar or is there simply none? Maybe Dwemer would have worked.

How about Khajiit? http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Khajiit

Or Redguard -- but either way, you might have to let go of trying to get the appearance to match.

Can't really identify as a walking cat and Redguard seem more northern African. Damn it Bethesda, is that all I am left with?

Well, looks like you may have to settle for roleplaying someone besides yourself. I've heard that can be fun...

Or look for a mod that lets you alter face and skin tone (if on PC),

or look for a new race mod on PC.