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Iran Opposition & ResistanceIran Protests & Demonstrations

Iran Protests: Nationwide Protests Erupt Across Iran as Retirees, Workers, and Citizens Demand Their Rights

Written by Sedighe Shahrokhi

Iran is witnessing a wave of protests across multiple cities as retirees, teachers, oil workers, and defrauded citizens take to the streets, demanding better wages, pension reforms, and economic justice. From Tehran to Ahvaz, Kermanshah, and beyond, demonstrators are expressing their frustrations over rising costs of living, government inaction, and systemic corruption. These protests, which coincide with the anniversary of the 2022 uprising, reflect growing dissatisfaction with Iran’s economic policies, as millions struggle to meet basic needs.

Tehran, Capital Region

In Tehran, protests surged as retired employees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) gathered on September 9 to demand higher pensions and other essential rights. The retirees expressed their frustration with the government’s failure to implement pension increases that match the rising cost of living. Despite a heavy security presence, the demonstrators raised slogans such as “Shout out, cry for your rights” and “Justice is nothing but a lie, only our voices will be heard in the streets.”

Additionally, a group of Literacy Movement teachers protested in Tehran, demanding overdue payments and improvements in working conditions. They voiced their discontent with chants calling for justice, highlighting the ongoing struggles of Iran’s education sector. Meanwhile, in a related incident at Behesht Zahra Cemetery, the burial of bodies was disrupted due to a protest by cemetery workers over insufficient welfare benefits, further adding to the tension in the capital.

Islamshahr, Tehran Province

Also today, those defrauded in the National Housing Scheme in Islamshahr protested against the government’s lack of action to resolve their housing crisis. This added another layer to the country’s discontent, as citizens affected by the fraudulent scheme called for justice and compensation for their losses.

Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province

Retired telecommunications workers protested on September 9, calling for the full implementation of their pension reforms. With slogans like “Implementation of the law is our right” and “We demand justice now,” the demonstrators targeted the authorities’ repeated failure to uphold promised wage adjustments. The protesters emphasized that their only way to regain rights was to continue pressuring the government through street demonstrations.

Isfahan, Central Iran

Protests were also seen in Isfahan, where retirees rallied against injustices in pension payments, chanting “This nation has never seen such injustice” and demanding their rightful compensation. In addition, caretakers and others impacted by the economic conditions in the city voiced their concerns over being ignored, further highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction with government policies. Separate demonstrations also emerged from those who had been defrauded in housing schemes, adding to the city’s grievances.

Kermanshah, Western Iran

In Kermanshah, telecommunications retirees protested against the state of economic inequality and poor living conditions. The demonstrators were joined by other groups such as social security pensioners, calling for the release of imprisoned workers and teachers. Protesters chanted, “Social Security must be free from government control” and “We demand justice for all.” The protests also featured significant criticism of the government’s economic mismanagement.

Shiraz, Fars Province

Retirees in Shiraz staged demonstrations similar to those across the country, demanding the implementation of wage reforms. They gathered outside the TCI’s provincial headquarters, chanting for improved pensions and the fulfillment of their legal rights. Their slogans echoed the frustrations of millions of Iranians battling economic hardship, with many describing the situation as “unbearable.”

Rasht, Gilan Province

In Rasht, retirees from the telecommunications sector protested on September 9, condemning the failure of the government to adhere to its own laws. Protesters criticized the TCI for abandoning their rights, chanting, “The law must be upheld, justice is our right.” Many voiced concerns that without continuous action, the government would further delay reforms crucial to their survival.

Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province

Retired telecommunications workers in Tabriz held protest rallies on September 9, demanding the government abide by its laws to increase their pensions according to the rising cost of living. They criticized the state for ignoring their basic needs and joined the national call for justice and economic reform.

Bushehr, Southern Iran

Employees of the Fajr Jam Gas Refining Company in Bushehr staged a protest on September 9, demanding fair wages and better working conditions. The workers emphasized that their basic rights had long been neglected and vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands were met.

Zabol, Sistan and Baluchestan Province
In Zabol, southeast Iran, vehicle owners continued their protests as they faced fuel shortages due to the blocking of their fuel cards. They expressed anger at the government’s failure to resolve their demands, further compounding the region’s economic woes.

Ardabil, Northwest Iran

Telecommunications retirees held protests on September 9, demanding the government follow through on pension increases in line with inflation and the rising cost of living. They criticized the regime for neglecting its legal obligations to retirees, with demonstrators chanting slogans to call for justice.

Kerman, Southern Iran

In Kerman, victims of another housing scam protested on September 9, joining the chorus of nationwide discontent. The defrauded residents of the Balad al-Amin housing project demanded the return of their stolen assets, with no meaningful response from authorities. The protests in Kerman were part of a larger movement highlighting systemic corruption in the housing market.

Dezful, Khuzestan Province

Farmers and tractor drivers in Dezful launched protests on September 9 due to fuel shortages. They accused authorities of stealing fuel allocations and expressed anger at the lack of government intervention. The situation and broader economic problems have only fueled the discontent across Iran.

Kangan, Southern Iran

In Kongon, workers from the Pars South Oil and Gas Company staged a protest on September 9, demanding fair wages and better working conditions. Their demands reflect the broader dissatisfaction within the oil and gas sector, as employees continue to suffer from low wages and inadequate working conditions despite the importance of their work to Iran’s economy.

This string of protests, spread across numerous cities and regions, highlights the deep economic and social discontent prevalent in Iran today. Protesters from different sectors, including retirees, teachers, workers, and defrauded citizens, demand justice and economic reforms, underscoring the widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s policies.

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