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Iran Protests: Demonstrations Spread Across Provinces Amid Widespread Economic and Social Grievances

Protests erupted across Iran on November 20, with demonstrations highlighting grievances ranging from economic hardship to environmental concerns. Citizens in several cities rallied against the government’s failure to address their pressing demands.

In Tehran, retired teachers gathered in front of the parliament, demanding the implementation of proper pension reforms and the payment of overdue benefits. The teachers, many from the 2021 retirement cohort, carried placards and chanted slogans such as “Our demand now is the implementation of the law” and “Stop injustice in ranking and equalization.” This marks the continuation of similar protests in recent weeks, with participants decrying inadequate responses to inflation and a lack of fair pensions.

Nurses in Shiraz, Fars Province, southern Iran, staged a protest outside the provincial governorate on the 16th consecutive day of their strike. Holding placards with slogans like “We fought COVID-19, but received no support,” the healthcare workers demanded higher wages, better insurance coverage, and the resolution of outstanding pay disputes. The government’s decision to reduce overtime rates from a promised 100,000 toman per hour to 65,000 toman has exacerbated discontent among nurses, many of whom face mounting arrears.

Nurses in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran, also rallied outside the provincial governorate, echoing the demands of their colleagues in Shiraz. They protested the government’s lack of transparency and failure to fulfill promises related to working conditions and overtime pay. The protests underscore broader dissatisfaction among healthcare workers, as systemic delays in payments and inadequate compensation continue to strain the profession.

In Amol, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, locals staged a rally against mining operations they say are destroying the environment and their livelihoods. Protesters expressed deep concern about the ecological damage caused by unchecked mining activities, which they claim threaten the region’s natural resources and their quality of life. This protest reflects growing awareness and action against environmental degradation in Iran, where similar campaigns have gained momentum.

In Ilam, Ilam Province, western Iran, employees of the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization protested outside the inspection office of their department. They called for the payment of overdue salaries and benefits, as well as more transparency and action from officials. These employees joined contractual and corporate workers in highlighting ongoing issues of delayed wages and financial mismanagement. The protest marks a continuation of unrest in this sector, where economic pressures have fueled dissatisfaction.

The widespread demonstrations reflect mounting frustration with the Iranian government’s mismanagement of resources, lack of transparency, and failure to address the public’s basic demands. Calls for structural change and immediate action are growing louder as citizens rally across the country.