Tehran: In Tehran, protests erupted in multiple locations today. Residents of the Khorramdasht district rallied against continuous power outages, condemning the regime’s involvement in regional conflicts at the expense of domestic infrastructure and the livelihoods of Iranians. Concurrently, high school students and their parents gathered in front of the regime’s Supreme Cultural Council, protesting recent regulations that increased the weight of school grades in university entrance exams. The demonstrators criticized these changes, claiming they benefit the “entrance exam mafia” and increase opportunities for cheating, especially in less regulated areas.
In addition, families of Iranian truck drivers trapped in Afghanistan due to the poor quality of fuel imported from Iraq protested outside the customs office. More than 600 trucks have been stuck for over three months as Afghan authorities, citing fuel quality issues, have blocked their return. Despite repeated pleas to Iranian authorities, the situation remains unresolved.
The ongoing fuel crisis involving Iranian truck drivers in Afghanistan highlights the complexities of Iran’s international relations under the current government. The impasse, blamed on poor-quality fuel imports from Iraq and stringent Afghan standards, reflects broader regional tensions. Iranian officials have hinted at the possibility of banning the use of Iranian transport for Afghan fuel shipments if the situation is not resolved soon.
August 28—Larestan, southern Iran
Residents of Larestan rally in front of the governorate to protest constant power outages.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/vpNIKvnZ2n— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 28, 2024
Larestan, Southern Iran: Residents of Larestan staged a protest in front of the governorate’s office, voicing their frustration over persistent power outages. The demonstration reflects widespread discontent across southern Iran, where many regions suffer from inadequate infrastructure and basic services.
Kashan, Central Iran: Bazaar merchants in Kashan held a protest rally today, decrying severe power outages that have disrupted their businesses. The outages have exacerbated existing economic hardships, pushing merchants and traders to take to the streets.
Tabriz, Northwest Iran: Employees of the state-run SHASKAM company protested unpaid wages. Workers have not received their salaries for several months, highlighting the financial mismanagement and corruption prevalent in state enterprises.
Tabas, Eastern Iran: Contract workers from the municipality in Tabas gathered to protest delayed wages. The workers’ frustration underscores the broader economic struggles facing public sector employees across Iran, where delayed payments and poor working conditions are commonplace.
August 28—Tehran, Iran
High school students and their parents rally in front of the regime's Supreme Cultural Council, protesting recent regulations by this council.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/Nehhoczg1Z— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 28, 2024
Aligudarz, Western Iran: Tensions escalated in Aligudarz as a reported armed clash left five security officers injured, including the chief of police intelligence and security. The confrontation, which occurred in the mountainous region of Pashtkuh, resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of a firearm. The motives behind the attack remain unclear, but such incidents have become increasingly frequent in areas with significant social unrest.
Economic Strikes and Worker Protests: Protests and strikes by oil and gas sector workers continued, with employees from the Aghajari Oil and Gas Company and several refineries at the South Pars Gas Complex in Asaluyeh holding rallies. They demanded the removal of salary caps, revisions to retirement benefits, and the elimination of subcontracting practices. Workers emphasized their right to form unions and hold peaceful protests, as well as to receive fair compensation and secure job conditions. In Arak, workers from the Wagon Pars Company continued their strike for the 32nd day, demanding improved labor conditions and wage payments.
There were also significant developments in the education sector. Two female students from Al-Zahra University and Tehran University were suspended for allegedly violating university codes of conduct, including defying mandatory hijab rules. The disciplinary actions have sparked outrage among students and activists, who accuse the authorities of intensifying their crackdown on academic freedom and student rights following last year’s nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini.
August 28—Tabas, eastern Iran
Contract workers of the municipality rally to protest unpaid wages.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/TKL0jNGf9C— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 28, 2024
The Supreme Cultural Council, a body under the direct influence of Iran’s Supreme Leader, has been central in recent policy changes affecting education. The council’s controversial decision to increase the influence of high school grades on university admissions is viewed as an attempt to consolidate control over educational outcomes. The council’s members, appointed directly by the Supreme Leader, act independently of the parliament, further fueling public frustration over the lack of democratic accountability.
The widespread protests and strikes across Iran on August 28 illustrate the growing discontent among various segments of society, from workers and students to ordinary citizens. The government faces mounting pressure to address economic grievances, corruption, and restrictive policies, as public patience wears thin.