Protests erupted across multiple cities in Iran on September 8, with citizens from various sectors rallying against economic hardships, oppressive policies, and the government’s failure to meet their demands. Demonstrations were led by retirees, farmers, nurses, and industrial workers, highlighting widespread discontent nationwide.
Tehran, Iran: In the capital city, steel industry retirees gathered once again, demanding higher pensions and access to basic services. Despite the regime’s laws requiring pension increases, the government continues ignoring these obligations. Protesters, many of whom are struggling to survive amid rising inflation, expressed frustration at the widening gap between their stagnant incomes and the skyrocketing cost of living.
Shush, Southwest Iran: Retirees of the Social Security Organization held their own protest in Shush, demanding higher pensions and better access to essential services. The pensioners, many of whom rely heavily on government stipends to cover basic living expenses, have been calling on the regime to address their financial struggles for months, as inflation and rising costs exacerbate their hardships.
September 8—Tehran, Iran
Retirees of the steel industry resume protest rallies as the regime continues to refrain from raising their pensions, as required by its own laws.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/JRRb7Shu1y— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 8, 2024
Anzali, Northern Iran: Workers from the Anzali Shemsh Industrial Complex held a protest, voicing their anger at management’s oppressive policies. One of the key grievances was the requirement for employees to pledge that they would not participate in protests. Workers condemned this demand as a violation of their rights and called for management to address their concerns over pay and working conditions.
Dezful, Southwest Iran: Farmers gathered to protest insufficient fuel rations for their agricultural machinery. Fuel shortages have been severely affecting farmers’ ability to work their land, creating further economic pressure on already struggling agricultural workers.
Kashan, Central Iran: Nurses at Taghavi Hospital in Kashan resumed their protests, demanding better wages and working conditions. Despite ongoing demonstrations, regime officials have so far failed to respond meaningfully to the nurses’ grievances. The healthcare workers emphasized their critical role in fighting COVID-19 and other public health crises, stating that their efforts have gone unrecognized and unrewarded by the government.
September 8—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/apIe2r7caC— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 8, 2024
Iranshahr, Southeast Iran: Merchants rallied in front of the governorate to protest the blockage of a key street by municipal agents. The street closure has disrupted business in the area, and merchants are demanding that authorities reopen the road to allow for the free flow of commerce.
Isfahan, Central Iran: Retirees from the steel industry in Isfahan took to the streets again, demanding higher pensions. Like their counterparts across the country, these retirees are facing increasing financial pressure as inflation continues to rise. Their slogans and demands reflect the growing frustration of retirees who feel abandoned by the government.
Kermanshah, Western Iran: Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization held a protest in Kermanshah, demanding an increase in their pensions and access to basic needs. Chanting “The budget goes to freeloaders,” the protesters expressed anger over what they view as the regime’s misuse of public funds, which they believe should be allocated to meet their financial and welfare needs.
September 8—Kermanshah, western Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs.
"The budget goes to freeloaders," protesters chant#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/xqNyiM4aFx— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 8, 2024
Shiraz, Southern Iran: Residents of the Golestan Shomali district in Shiraz, many of whom are retired military and education workers, protested outside the Fars Province Governor’s Office. They are objecting to the cancellation of their single-page property deeds due to a lawsuit filed by the Endowment and Charity Organization. The lawsuit claims that the properties are part of a religious endowment, a designation that has stripped the residents of their ownership rights. The protesters are calling for justice and the legal recognition of their homes.
Ahvaz, Southwest Iran: Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization continued their protests, demanding higher pensions and better access to services. Like their counterparts across the country, the retirees are struggling to cope with the economic hardships that have been exacerbated by the regime’s failure to address their concerns.
Police Brutality in Eastern Iran: A disturbing incident occurred on September 8 involving a Baluch citizen who was violently beaten by a police officer. The assault took place on the road between Birjand and Mashhad and has caused outrage, particularly within the Baluch community, which frequently faces discrimination and harsh treatment by security forces.
September 8—Isfahan, central Iran
Retirees of the steel industry resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions as they struggle to make ends meet in the deteriorating economic conditions.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/KftFQ0IxNa— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 8, 2024
Kerman, southeast Iran: Nearly 2,000 workers at the Barez Tire Factory continued their strike on September 7, demanding higher wages and protesting the high taxes deducted from their paychecks. Despite the workers’ persistent demands for better compensation, the factory’s management has refused to meet their requests, with one official even deeming the strike “illegal.” The workers’ salaries, ranging between 12 million to 16 million tomans (including overtime), have become insufficient to cover the increasing cost of living. Despite government attempts to suppress the strikes, the protests are gaining momentum, reflecting a growing trend of labor unrest across the country.
The widespread protests in Iran reflect a growing crisis as citizens from various sectors push back against economic and social policies that they feel are oppressive and neglectful. From retirees to healthcare workers and industrial employees, the calls for change are growing louder, signaling a period of escalating unrest in Iran.
