On October 15, 2024, Iran witnessed a surge of protests and strikes across various sectors, as citizens, students, and workers rallied against worsening economic conditions and government negligence. Demonstrations took place in Tehran and Ardakan, Yazd Province, while oil and gas workers intensified their ongoing strikes in the southern parts of the country.
In Tehran, students from Azad University protested outside the institution’s headquarters, expressing their outrage over a significant spike in tuition fees. Many students, already struggling with Iran’s economic downturn, called for the university to reduce fees and demanded the government ensure affordable education.
In Ardakan, Yazd Province, two protests were held. Applicants for the National Housing Movement gathered in front of the governorate, decrying the government’s failure to deliver on its promises of affordable housing. Meanwhile, steel workers from the local factory protested poor working conditions and stagnant wages, adding their voices to the growing labor unrest in Iran.
October 15—Tehran, Iran
Students of Azad University rally in front of the organization's headquarters to protest the spike in tuition fees.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/YZSPOm99d1— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) October 15, 2024
At the same time, oil and gas workers in the South Pars Gas Complex marked the eleventh consecutive week of the “Protest Tuesdays” movement, with workers from several refinery units going on strike. These workers demanded their labor rights, including the formation of independent unions, the removal of exploitative contractor companies, and the rehiring of dismissed employees. Despite management and security forces attempting to disrupt the protests, workers remain resolute in their demands for improved working conditions and wages.
In Saravan, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, a Baloch fuel porter named Eghbal Rigi, 21, was killed after stepping on a landmine allegedly planted by the IRGC near the border. His death, caused by the dismemberment from the explosion, has stirred anger and highlighted the dangers faced by porters in the region, where border tensions and economic struggles run high.
October 15—Ardakan, central Iran
Customers of state-backed housing companies hold rally in front of the governorate, protesting unfulfilled commitments by the government and the companies.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/CKo72hkM3n— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) October 15, 2024
These protests and incidents illustrate the deepening dissatisfaction across Iran, as citizens from various sectors demand their just and undeniable rights amidst severe economic challenges and government failures. From students and workers to marginalized communities, the calls for economic justice and safety are growing louder, signaling an intensifying crisis for the Iranian regime.