Iran is witnessing a surge in protests across various regions as citizens express their frustration over economic hardships, government neglect, and oppressive conditions.
In Damavand, northern Iran, farmers and orchard owners from the regions of Absard, Kuhan, and Ahran rallied in front of the governorate to protest ongoing power outages that have severely impacted their livelihoods. These demonstrations reflect the growing anger among rural communities, who feel increasingly neglected by the authorities.
Meanwhile, in Isfahan, central Iran, farmers and their families continue their round-the-clock sit-in at Khorasgan Square. They are demanding the reopening of the Zayandeh Rud River, a critical water source for agriculture in the region. The government’s failure to address their demands has fueled a sense of desperation, leading to sustained protests.
More footage of today's protest rally by stockholders in Tehran.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/imttEFh4WI
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 9, 2024
In Shiraz, nurses from government hospitals entered the fifth day of their strike, which began on August 5. The nurses are protesting the regime’s refusal to meet their demands for better working conditions and fair compensation. Their strike has left hospital wards understaffed, putting additional pressure on an already strained healthcare system.
The unrest extends to Qeshm Island, where workers at the local steel and iron complex have gone on strike over unpaid wages. The strike underscores the widespread economic discontent that is gripping the country, as workers demand their rightful pay amidst deteriorating economic conditions.
The situation has turned deadly in several parts of the country, as the regime’s security forces intensify their crackdown on deprived locals. On August 7, two fuel porters were killed in a car crash in Qaen, South Khorasan, after being pursued by military forces. This tragic incident is part of a broader pattern of deadly encounters between security forces and fuel carriers, particularly in the border provinces.
August 8—Damavand, northern Iran
Farmers and orchard owners of Absard, Kuhan, and Ahran rally in front of the governorate, protesting constant power outages.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/1ySVzG7oPs— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 8, 2024
In July, a similar incident in Sistan and Baluchestan resulted in the deaths of six people, including two children, after government forces fired on a fuel porter’s vehicle, causing a collision with another car. The gruesome aftermath saw both vehicles engulfed in flames, with all occupants perishing in the fire.
Tensions flared further on August 6 in the town of Khash, where security forces opened fire on a vehicle carrying a family. The attack resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and a five-year-old child, while three others, including another child, were severely injured. One of the survivors was reportedly detained by IRGC forces.
The violence did not stop there. On August 8, in the Kurdish region near the Baneh border, six porters, known locally as “kulbars,” were injured when security forces opened fire on them. These individuals, who engage in the dangerous work of transporting goods across the border, are often targeted by the regime’s security apparatus, highlighting the ongoing plight of marginalized communities in Iran.
Despite the government’s attempts to suppress dissent through increased crackdowns and a recent surge in executions, protests continue to erupt across the country. The regime’s failure to address the rightful demands of its people is fueling a growing sense of frustration and anger, which risks escalating into more widespread unrest.
PMOI Resistance Units across Iran condemn the regime's recent wave of executions, including 26 executions on Wednesday, and vow to continue their activities until democratic regime change is achieved.#PMOI #Iran #ResistanceUnits pic.twitter.com/M1x0fFILlc
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 9, 2024
