In recent days, protests have erupted across Iran as various sectors of society, including pensioners, healthcare workers, fraud victims, and residents, have taken to the streets to voice their grievances. Demonstrators are demanding better wages, improved living conditions, and an end to government corruption and oppression. From Tehran to Chabahar, people are showing increasing frustration with economic hardships, housing demolitions, and state repression. Security forces have responded with crackdowns, but the persistence of these demonstrations reflects a growing wave of public discontent.
On February 9, pensioners of the Social Security Organization in Tehran, the nation’s capital, staged a protest rally in front of the offices of the organization, demanding higher pensions and improved living conditions. On the same day, pensioners of the Steel and Mining Fund in Isfahan, Isfahan Province (central Iran) held a demonstration, raising similar economic concerns. Additionally, pensioners of the Social Security Organization gathered in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province (southwestern Iran), and Shush, Khuzestan Province, calling for fair compensation and government support.
PMOI Resistance Units in Zahedan reject all forms of dictatorship in a new wave of anti-regime activities https://t.co/Cy88CWG7To
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 9, 2025
On February 8, in Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan Province (southeastern Iran), security forces launched an assault in the Muradabad district, demolishing the walls of several houses under construction. Residents condemned the destruction, emphasizing that they had built their homes with immense financial difficulty and were now left without shelter. Simultaneously, in Sib and Suran, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, security forces raided the homes of Baluchi residents and fired upon fuel porters, intensifying repression in the region.
On February 7, medical staff at Shohada Hospital in Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province (western Iran) gathered in protest against poor working conditions and delayed wages. Nurses voiced their frustration with slogans such as “A nurse’s absence will collapse the system.” Healthcare workers have frequently protested in recent months against low salaries, wage arrears, and job insecurity, which have driven many to leave the country.
On February 6, victims of land fraud gathered in front of the parliament building in Tehran chanting “Scream, scream against this oppression.” Simultaneously, victims of the Cryptoland financial scandal held a demonstration in the city, protesting government inaction regarding their lost investments. They chanted, “Enough with promises, our tables are empty” and “For three years we’ve been running, all we’ve heard are lies.”
February 9—Tehran, Iran
Pensioners of the Social Security Organization hold protest rally in front of the offices of the organization, reiterating their demands for higher pensions and better living conditions.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/qvCMTEgPpE— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 9, 2025
Meanwhile, Tehran police forces announced the seizure of half a ton of illegal fireworks in the city’s central market, claiming the items were meant for distribution ahead of the traditional Fire Festival (Chaharshanbe Suri). The Iranian regime has escalated its crackdown weeks ahead of the festival, fearing mass public gatherings could turn into anti-government protests. Chaharshanbe Suri, which has become a symbol of defiance, is once again expected to be a major opportunity for people to express their dissent.
The protests of recent days highlight the deepening economic crisis, growing state repression, and widespread discontent among Iranians. With demonstrations occurring across multiple provinces, frustration with the government continues to rise. As people from different backgrounds and professions take to the streets, the authorities’ response remains centered on crackdowns and suppression rather than addressing public grievances. However, the persistence of these protests signals that discontent is far from fading, and unrest is likely to continue in the coming weeks.