The wave of protests across Iran continues to grow as citizens from various sectors express their dissatisfaction with economic conditions, government policies, and inadequate services. From workers in key industries to local villagers, the unrest highlights widespread discontent in a nation grappling with systemic challenges.
Tehran: On September 4, university entrance exam candidates held a protest in Tehran outside the Cultural Education University. They protested recent changes to the university entrance exam system, which they believe unfairly favor those aligned with the regime, further amplifying the frustrations of students across the country.
Ardakan, Yazd Province: Residents of Rabat Posht Badam village staged a protest on September 4. The villagers were protesting against local issues that have significantly affected their quality of life, though specific details of the grievances have not been disclosed. The protest represents another instance of growing dissatisfaction among rural communities in Iran.
Asaluyeh, Southern Iran: On September 3, workers of the South Pars Gas Company staged protests today over low wages, unpaid salaries, and poor working conditions. Contract workers joined the rally to voice their frustrations about their economic hardships and the government’s failure to honor employment agreements. The protesters chanted slogans like “Unlawful deductions must be revoked, employment contracts must be honored,” and “Fair wages are our undeniable right,” reflecting their anger towards what they perceive as anti-worker policies and exploitative practices by the authorities. The South Pars Gas Company is a major hub of Iran’s oil and gas industry, and ongoing strikes there have highlighted the growing discontent among workers in critical sectors of the economy.
Shadegan, Southwest Iran: Also on September 3, farmers and mechanized machine operators gathered in front of the governorate to protest against low fuel rations. These workers, who rely heavily on fuel for their agricultural operations, expressed their frustration over the scarcity and high cost of fuel, which has made it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods. The protest is part of a broader wave of demonstrations by Iran’s agricultural sector, which has been struggling with economic challenges exacerbated by government policies and fuel shortages.
Arak, Markazi Province: In Arak, the Wagon Pars workers marked the 40th day of their strike with a large protest, which was met with a violent crackdown by special security forces. The protesters, who have been on strike for over a month demanding better wages and job security, clashed with the forces, chanting “A worker dies but does not accept humiliation.” The workers’ defiance in the face of force underscores the intensifying labor unrest in Iran, where economic pressures and dissatisfaction with government responses to workers’ demands are reaching a boiling point.
Kahnooj, Kerman Province: The unrest also spread to Kahnooj, where three Baluch residents were killed by security forces. On the evening of August 31, police shot at a vehicle in Naserabad Street, resulting in the death of a Baluch resident and the injury of a pedestrian child. This incident followed another deadly encounter on August 30, when two Baluch brothers from Chah-Rahman village in the Zahedan district were killed in a shootout with special forces. These violent incidents have sparked outrage and highlighted the ongoing tension between the Iranian authorities and the Baluch community, who have long faced discrimination and violence.
Mirjaveh, Sistan and Baluchestan Province: In Mirjaveh, two Baluch fuel porters were injured after security forces fired on their vehicle, causing it to overturn and catch fire. The condition of one of the injured is reported to be critical. This event adds to the growing list of grievances among the Baluch community, which has been subjected to frequent and often brutal crackdowns by security forces.
Nationwide Protests by Nurses: Amid the escalating protests, Iranian state officials have commented on the ongoing strikes by nurses across the country. Reza Qarabaghi, head of the regime’s Emergency Medical Association, acknowledged that the issues facing nurses extend beyond unpaid wages and include challenging working conditions, mandatory overtime paid at a low rate of 20,000 tomans per hour (approximately $0.50), and inadequate benefits. These conditions, he noted, have led to a significant increase in the migration of nurses out of Iran. Ahmad Nejatiyan, head of the Nursing Organization of Iran, confirmed that economic hardships and intense work pressures have doubled the rate of nurse migration in the past two years.
These events illustrate the widespread unrest across Iran, as citizens from various sectors continue to protest against poor economic conditions, government policies, and systemic injustices. The government’s reliance on force to suppress these protests has only served to deepen the divide between the authorities and the Iranian populace.
Meanwhile, as the founding anniversary of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) approaches, Resistance Units across the country are marking the event and celebrating 59 years of resistance and struggle against the shah and mullahs’ dictatorship.
Resistance Units are an organized network of activists across Iran who support the PMOI and carry out anti-regime activities in defiance of the threats posed by the regime’s security forces and intelligence apparatus.
Tehran
Photo of NCRI president-elect Maryam Rajavi pic.twitter.com/QZfgVxkfmH— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 4, 2024
Kermanshah
Photo of the PMOI emblem and founder Mohammad Hanifnejad pic.twitter.com/RXBYnUl7Re— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 4, 2024