Protests erupted across Iran on Monday, as workers, retirees, and healthcare professionals rallied in multiple cities, voicing their growing frustration with the Iranian regime’s neglect of basic economic rights and labor conditions. The widespread demonstrations, spanning various sectors, underscore the escalating discontent among the Iranian populace.
In Arak, central Iran, healthcare workers from the Arak Medical Sciences University joined the nationwide strikes, rallying in solidarity with nurses across the country who are demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The strikes in Arak are part of a broader movement that has seen healthcare professionals in multiple cities, including Ahvaz and Mashhad, take to the streets to protest against the regime’s persistent disregard for their demands.
The nurses’ protests, sparked by the tragic death of 32-year-old nurse Parvaneh Mandani from overwork, have rapidly spread across Iran, uniting healthcare professionals in a demand for fair wages, better working conditions, and an end to mandatory overtime. In cities like Mashhad, Arak, and Ahvaz, nurses have staged strikes despite government repression, voicing their frustration with the regime’s neglect. Their chants, such as “We fought against COVID, but received no support,” highlight the severe challenges they face.
August 19—Arak, central Iran
Protest rally by the healthcare workers of Arak Medical Sciences University in tandem with the strikes and protests of nurses across Iran.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/ecV6WBZBfj— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 19, 2024
In Tehran, retirees from the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) gathered despite the presence of security forces, demanding higher pensions and essential living conditions. These retirees, many of whom have worked for decades in the telecommunications sector, are increasingly frustrated by the government’s failure to address their economic hardships. Similar protests were reported in Sanandaj, Kermanshah, Rasht, and Isfahan, where retired TCI employees staged rallies with the same demands.
In Zahedan, southeast Iran, workers from the Sakht Kooshan company, affiliated with the local municipality, held a protest outside their company’s headquarters. The workers, who have not been paid for five months, demanded immediate payment of their overdue wages. This protest highlights the severe economic pressures facing workers in the region, where delayed salaries and poor working conditions have become all too common.
August 19—Mashhad, northeast Iran
Nurses continue protest rallies, demanding higher wages, better work conditions, and other basic needs.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/K1bESkiuFt— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 19, 2024
In Tabriz, northwest Iran, landowners from the Khavaran district protested in front of the municipal building, demanding that the government fulfill its promises to deliver homes. The landowners’ grievances reflect broader issues of corruption and mismanagement within the government, which has repeatedly failed to uphold its commitments.
Meanwhile, residents of Dana County, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, continued their protests against the government’s decision to transfer the county’s management to Isfahan. The decision has sparked outrage among locals, who see it as an attempt by the regime to further marginalize their community.
August 19—Kermanshah, western Iran
Retired employees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) hold a protest rally, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs. The regime continues to ignore their demands. #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/6nDllWKJxs— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 19, 2024
In Bushehr, southwest Iran, employees of the Fajr Jam Gas Refining Company staged a protest, adding their voices to the growing chorus of discontent across the nation. The workers are demanding fair wages and better working conditions, reflecting the broader economic crisis that has gripped the country.
The protests on August 19 are a continuation of a series of strikes and rallies that have been spreading across Iran in recent weeks. Despite the regime’s attempts to suppress these demonstrations, the protesters remain undeterred, calling not just for economic reforms, but for a fundamental change that can end the systemic corruption and mismanagement that have plagued their lives for decades. The people of Iran are increasingly united in their demand for a future where their rights are respected, and their basic needs are met, signaling a growing movement that seeks to overhaul the country’s political and economic systems.
August 19—Bushehr, southern Iran
Protest rally by the employees of the Fajr Jam Gas Refining Company. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/lxX3VFnHND— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 19, 2024
