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Iran Protests: Waves of Demonstrations Highlight Deepening Dissatisfaction Across the Country

Workers at the Chooka wood and paper company in Rezvanshahr, Gilan Province, held a protest rally on January 18, 2025

Amid escalating public discontent, protests have erupted across Iran, driven by grievances ranging from political repression to economic mismanagement and environmental neglect. Demonstrators in various cities have voiced their concerns, often facing swift crackdowns by security forces. Here’s a detailed account of the most recent protests:

January 19

Ilam, western Iran: Residents of Siah Gel village gathered in front of the provincial governorate, demanding a halt to nearby mining operations. Protesters raised concerns about health risks and environmental destruction caused by these activities.

Kerman, southern Iran: Retired employees of Kerman Coal Company rallied outside the retirement fund office to protest low pensions and poor access to essential services, including healthcare.

Isfahan, central Iran: Retirees from the steel and mining industries held demonstrations, demanding higher pensions and improved living conditions. Chanting slogans like “Enough with the promises, our tables are empty!” they emphasized their dire economic situation.

Shiraz, southern Iran: Workers, known as “Yellow Hats,” staged a protest in front of the provincial governorate. They demanded better working conditions and voiced grievances over unaddressed labor rights violations.

Qasr-e Shirin, western Iran: Heavy vehicle drivers went on strike at the Parvizkhan border terminal. Their protest centered on low transportation wages and the burden of heavy fines imposed on drivers.

Ahvaz, southwest Iran: Retirees of the Social Security Organization staged a rally in front of its local office, pressing authorities to adjust pensions to align with inflation and the rising cost of living.

Shush, southwest Iran: Pensioners of the Social Security Organization reiterated their demands for better pensions and living conditions during a protest rally.

January 18

Rezvanshahr, northern Iran: Workers at the Chooka wood and paper company protested unpaid wages for the second time in recent weeks.

Bushehr, southern Iran: The Iranian Offshore Oil Company employees resumed protests over wage determination policies and insufficient responses to their demands for improved working conditions.

Qasr-e Shirin, western Iran: Tanker drivers went on strike to protest low wages and rising fuel prices.

January 15

Tehran: Victims of the “King Money” scam organized a protest, accusing authorities of negligence in addressing their losses and failing to prosecute those responsible. Protesters expressed frustration over the lack of progress in international and domestic legal actions. One participant stated, “How long will the authorities ignore the voices of 5,000 victims? Enough with the threats and silence.”

Arak, central Iran: Residents rallied against severe air pollution caused by industrial emissions, chanting slogans such as “Clean air is a right!” and “Mazut burning is a crime, silence is treason!” Protesters called for the resignation of officials they deemed responsible for inaction.

Ilam, western Iran: Citizens protested environmental degradation and air pollution, holding local authorities accountable for failing to mitigate harmful practices. Demonstrators demanded clean air as a basic right and criticized regional mismanagement.

Sanandaj, western Iran: Activists rallied in Sanandaj to demand the revocation of the death sentence for Kurdish political prisoner Pakhshan Azizi. Protesters condemned the use of executions as a political tool and called for the release of political prisoners. Security forces intervened to disperse the crowd, arresting several participants.

Karzan, western Iran: Residents of Karzan staged protests against environmental destruction and insufficient basic services, including access to drinking water and healthcare. A protester said, “Officials have ignored us for years, and our situation has become unbearable.” Security forces were present at the scene.

January 14

Nahbandan and Sarbisheh, eastern Iran: Truck drivers protested outside the provincial governorate over the two-month suspension of their fuel cards. The drivers highlighted the devastating impact on their livelihoods and demanded an immediate resolution from authorities.

Shushtar, southwest Iran: Nurses from Khadem Al-Anbia Hospital protested against economic mismanagement, citing ten months of unpaid overtime, delayed salary adjustments for four months, and pending payments for work in April and May. Their demonstration called attention to worsening conditions for healthcare workers and demanded immediate resolution of their grievances.

January 13

Shushtar, southwestern Iran: Nurses at Khatam Al-Anbiya Hospital protested unpaid financial entitlements, including 10 months of overtime, four months of unadjusted salaries, and unpaid bonuses for April and May. They criticized systemic neglect and exploitation of healthcare workers.

Gotvand, southwestern Iran: In a separate incident, three law enforcement officers were injured in a shooting near Saleh Shahr on the Shushtar-Gotvand road. Authorities are investigating the attack, with no group claiming responsibility or clarity on the attackers’ motives.

These demonstrations highlight growing unrest among various sectors of Iranian society, reflecting frustrations with widespread corruption, mismanagement, and political repression. The protests underscore an increasingly vocal population demanding change.