In recent days, Iran has witnessed a surge of protests across various cities, driven by widespread economic grievances, environmental concerns, and demands for transparency and justice. Workers, farmers, merchants, and other citizens have taken to the streets to voice their discontent, facing harsh responses from security forces. This wave of unrest reflects deep-seated frustration with the regime’s policies and practices, as the masses unite in its call for substantial change.
Today, August 2, workers of the state-owned Wagon Pars train and locomotive manufacturer staged a protest rally in Arak, Central Iran, highlighting dissatisfaction with their working conditions and delayed wages. This marks another instance of labor unrest in the country’s vital industrial sectors.
Also in Isfahan, Central Iran, farmers in Khorasgan Square continued their protests over severe water shortages, an ongoing issue exacerbated by what they claim is government inaction. The protesters demand immediate solutions to the water crisis that has devastated their agricultural activities.
Nurses at Imam Ali Hospital went on strike to protest poor management and unpaid wages. In response, the hospital replaced them with nursing students, leading to significant disruptions. Of the 32 emergency and observation beds, 31 are now empty, with only supervisors present. This strike, now in its third day, reflects the deep dissatisfaction among medical staff. Concurrently, nurses at Kosar Hospital in Alborz province have also joined the strike, demanding better working conditions. The strike began yesterday and shows no signs of abating, further straining the region’s healthcare system.
August 2—Arak, central Iran
Protest rally by workers of the state-owned Wagon Pars train and locomotive manufacturer.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/g2I2vTcrn6— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 2, 2024
On August 1, in Ilam, Western Iran, merchants rallied in front of the governorate to protest against low-quality competitive expositions that they argue have a destructive impact on their businesses. This protest underscores the economic struggles faced by local business owners in the region.
In Ardebil, Northwest Iran, workers, and workshop owners from Ardebil’s Industrial Town 2 gathered to protest persistent power cuts, which have severely disrupted their operations. Similar protests were seen in the East Isfahan Industrial Town, where power outages have led to significant losses for businesses reliant on refrigeration and continuous power supply.
On July 31, parents of high school graduates from different provinces gathered in Tehran to protest the grading procedures of final exams, criticizing the lack of transparency and inadequate responses from authorities. This demonstration is part of an ongoing series of protests by parents demanding a fair evaluation system for their children.
In Souteh Kesh village, Qazvin province, residents protested against a mining operation’s proximity to their homes, only 300 meters away. The protest turned violent when security forces and plainclothes enforcers attacked the demonstrators, resulting in injuries and escalating tensions.
August 1—Ardebil, northwest Iran
Workers and workshop owners of Ardebil's Industrial Town 2 rally to protest constant power cuts.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/k2DZmN28DR— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 1, 2024
On the same day, retirees from Iran’s telecommunications sector held demonstrations in multiple cities, including Isfahan, Rasht, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Sari, Urmia, Marivan, Ardabil, and Bandar Abbas. They protested the government’s failure to implement fair pension adjustments, chanting slogans like “Neither Parliament nor Government cares about the people” and “Justice is a lie, we have heard enough.”
Also, workers from the steel industry in Shadegan and the sugar sector in Shush protested against poor working conditions and unmet demands, reflecting the broader discontent among industrial workers.
In Shahrekord, western Iran, educators involved in a housing project protested against project mismanagement, adding to the chorus of dissent from various professional sectors.
July 31—Tehran, Iran
Parents of high school graduates from different provinces rally to protest the exam grading procedures and lack of response by the government#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/r2GdESIdn6— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 31, 2024
In Kermanshah and Bandar Abbas, farmers protested against reduced fuel allocations for their tractors, essential for their agricultural operations, further highlighting the economic pressures on rural communities.
On July 30, agents of the regime’s Bonyad Maskan destroyed the home of a Baluch citizen in the Osman Abad township near Chabahar, Southeast Iran. The home, built through physical labor and borrowed money, belonged to a man with two handicapped children.
Also, a Kurdish freight carrier was shot dead by border guards in the Siyanav border area of Marivan, western Iran. This incident of direct shooting by border forces highlights the lethal risks faced by locals, who often engage in cross-border trade out of economic necessity.
The multifaceted protests across Iran underscore a growing frustration with the regime’s policies and practices. From economic hardships and environmental concerns to educational grievances and human rights abuses, the Iranian people appear increasingly united in their calls for freedom and justice. However, the government’s response, marked by repression and indifference, suggests a turbulent path ahead.
On July 28-29, 2009, Iraqi security forces attacked Camp Ashraf at the behest of the Iranian regime. Security forces used batons and firearms to injure hundreds of Ashraf residents and kill 13 PMOI members. Unarmed and defenseless, PMOI members in Ashraf set an example of… pic.twitter.com/RO4C1Te3Dh
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 1, 2024
