On August 12, 2024, a wave of protests swept across Iran, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among various segments of society, from retirees and workers to healthcare professionals and political prisoners. The demonstrations, spanning multiple cities and regions, highlighted the Iranian people’s growing frustration with the government’s neglect and broken promises.
Literacy Movement teachers gathered in Tehran in front of the Ministry of Education to demand better working conditions and fair compensation. Their rally was marked by chants like “Shout for your rights!” as they expressed their frustration over inadequate pay and government inaction.
August 12—Yazd, central Iran
Nurses in Yazd go on strike, joining the protests started by nurses in Shiraz. Nurses are protesting poor working conditions, workforce shortages, low wages, and other basic needs.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/m5KF5iL29s— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 12, 2024
In Khorramabad and Kermanshah, retired Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) employees held rallies demanding higher pensions and basic needs. The protesters in Kermanshah specifically criticized the government’s failure to adhere to its own laws, which require pension adjustments to keep pace with the cost of living. The demonstrations underscored the widespread discontent among retirees who feel abandoned by the regime.
The central city of Arak saw workers of the state-owned Wagon Pars train and locomotive manufacturer continue their strike for the 15th consecutive day, despite threats from security forces. Meanwhile, in Isfahan, TCI retirees rallied to protest low pensions and worsening living conditions, chanting, “We have only heard lies. We haven’t seen any justice,” reflecting their deep mistrust in the government’s commitments.
August 12—Tehran, Iran
Literacy movement teachers rally in front of the education ministry.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/oXH2BNqIgF— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 12, 2024
In Rasht and Tabriz, TCI retirees took to the streets to demand that the regime honor its legal obligations to adjust pensions according to the rising cost of living. These protests were mirrored in other northern and northwestern cities, including Bijar, where similar grievances were voiced by retired employees who are increasingly frustrated by the government’s disregard for their well-being.
In Yazd, nurses joined the ongoing nationwide strikes that began in Shiraz, protesting poor working conditions, workforce shortages, and low wages. Their actions are part of a broader movement within the healthcare sector, where professionals are pushing back against systemic neglect and inadequate support.
August 12—Rasht, northern Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran rally, protesting the regime disregarding its own laws that require the TCI to raise the retirees' pensions according to the costs of living. #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/GVq8JpbEKO— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 12, 2024
Mashhad witnessed a rally by contract workers protesting unpaid and delayed wages, a persistent issue that has fueled labor unrest across the country. This protest further highlighted the economic struggles faced by workers who are increasingly unable to secure their livelihoods.
In Ahvaz, TCI retirees continued their protests, demanding that the regime address their basic needs and pension concerns. Similar protests were seen in other cities, reflecting a growing sense of despair among Iran’s elderly population.
Beyond these protests, a unique demonstration occurred in Tehran, where a group of political prisoners, particularly women in Evin Prison, announced they would begin a hunger strike on August 13. This action is part of the “No to Execution on Tuesdays” campaign, protesting the recent execution of political prisoner Reza Rasaei and the mass executions in Ghezel Hesar and Karaj prisons. The hunger strike reflects the deepening resistance within Iran’s prison system against the regime’s brutal practices.
August 12—Arak, central Iran
Workers of the state-owned Wagon Pars train and locomotive manufacturer hold 15th day of strikes while being threatened by security forces.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/TGKXDt5aSj— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 12, 2024
In Tabriz, a protest was held by retired TCI employees, demanding higher pensions and basic needs, consistent with the rallies in other parts of the country. The retirees are increasingly vocal about the government’s failure to meet its obligations.
Meanwhile, in Sanandaj, TCI retirees also held a protest, adding to the chorus of voices across Iran calling for justice and economic relief. These coordinated protests demonstrate the unity among retirees in various regions, all facing similar hardships.
In Tehran, a separate protest was held by car buyers from the Saipa automotive company. They gathered in front of the company’s headquarters to protest delays in the delivery of their vehicles, particularly the Changan model. The demonstrators accused the company of financial misconduct and failing to fulfill its contractual obligations. One company official promised that all vehicles would be delivered by the end of September, though this assurance did little to quell the anger of those affected.
The breadth and intensity of these protests illustrate a nation grappling with widespread discontent. Despite the regime’s efforts to suppress dissent, the growing frustration among workers, retirees, healthcare professionals, and even political prisoners signals a volatile situation. The Iranian regime’s continued neglect and repression risk further inflaming the unrest, potentially leading to even greater challenges for the state.
Tehran
Photos of NCRI president-elect Maryam Rajavi with the messages:
"The justice-seeking movement continues until the overthrow [of the mullahs' regime]"
"The blood of the victims of the 1988 massacre is still alive" pic.twitter.com/qsWAcnF2Fm— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 11, 2024