NCRI

Iran Protests: Widespread Protests and Growing Grievances Across Iran 

Protests continue to surge across Iran as various groups, including nurses, retirees, farmers, and shareholders, rally against economic hardships, poor working conditions, and government negligence. These demonstrations highlight the ongoing dissatisfaction with the regime’s failure to address the needs of its citizens, leading to unrest in multiple cities and sectors. 

Dezful, Southwest Iran: On September 7, shareholders of the Golbaran Hypermarket in Dezful held a protest rally in front of the governorate. Many of these shareholders had invested significant amounts of money and expressed outrage after being denied compensation for their investments. Their demands for accountability from the authorities reflect broader concerns about corruption and financial mismanagement in Iran’s economy. 

Isfahan, Central Iran: Nurses resumed their protests on September 7, gathering to demand better wages, fairer tariff laws, and improved working conditions. The protesting nurses, frustrated by their low pay and harsh working conditions, emphasized the lack of adequate support from the government, chanting, “No to incompetent officials.” This demonstration is part of a larger wave of protests among healthcare workers across the country, which has grown following the government’s insufficient response to their demands. 

Kashan, Central Iran: Nurses staged another rally on September 7, with protesters chanting slogans such as “We don’t want incompetent officials” and “We fought COVID-19 but saw no justice.” The healthcare workers in Kashan have been voicing their demands for months, and this protest signals continued frustration over low wages, poor working conditions, and what they see as the government’s exploitation of the healthcare workforce. 

Qom, Central Iran: Nurses joined the wave of protests on September 7, rallying in front of the provincial governorate. Chants such as “Shout for your rights” echoed through the streets as nurses demanded higher wages and better working conditions. The protest was organized in response to continued neglect of their concerns by local authorities. 

Despite growing security pressure, nurses across the country have been resolute in their protests. The House of Nurses Secretary-General, Mohammad Sharifi-Moghadam, admitted that numerous nursing activists have faced threats of dismissal or short-term arrests in recent weeks as the government attempts to suppress the nationwide nursing protests. 

The recent wave of protests by nurses, sparked by the tragic death of young nurse Parvaneh Mandani, has now spread to over 40 cities and more than 70 hospitals across Iran. This unprecedented movement marks the first time in a century of modern nursing in Iran that healthcare workers have resorted to “walking off the job” to demand their rights. 

Fuel Shortages in Northern Iran: As protests continue, another crisis has emerged in northern Iran due to severe fuel shortages. In cities like Ramsar, Chalous, Noshahr, Shahin Dezh, and Chaboksar, long lines have formed at gas stations as citizens and travelers wait for fuel. Many have resorted to bringing containers and even coolers to store fuel, while some stations remain empty. The widespread fuel shortages have been accompanied by rising tensions, with residents and travelers facing significant delays and disruptions in their daily activities. 

Ardakan, Yazd Province: In Ardakan, residents of Robat Posht Badam village held a protest on September 3, demanding action on unresolved local issues, though the specific grievances were not immediately detailed. This reflects the growing dissatisfaction among rural communities in Iran, where basic services and infrastructure often fall short of expectations. 

Karaj Central Prison: Reports from reliable sources indicate a severe water contamination incident at Karaj Central Prison, leaving a large number of inmates suffering from acute poisoning. The prisoners are reportedly experiencing severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting due to contaminated drinking water. Despite the critical need for clean drinking water, the prison has failed to provide an adequate supply, with even the prison shop running out of bottled water. The lack of immediate medical attention has worsened the situation, as the prisoners require urgent access to IV fluids and medication.  

Gilan Gharb: Reports have emerged of another death in police custody. According to the state-run ISNA news agency, the regime’s prosecutor confirmed the death of a detainee on September 4, one day after he was taken into police custody. The prosecutor’s office claimed that initial investigations showed no signs of physical trauma or torture. The cause of death is pending a final report from the medical examiner. This incident follows the widely publicized death of Mohammad Mirmosavi, who died under torture in Lahijan shortly after being detained, further fueling outrage over the regime’s treatment of detainees. 

As unrest intensifies, the clerical regime faces mounting pressure from a wide range of sectors, including healthcare workers, farmers, shareholders, and even political prisoners. The continued failure to address these grievances will certainly lead to even greater instability as protests spread throughout the country. 

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