Over the past several days, protests have erupted across Iran as workers, retirees, and citizens voiced their frustrations over economic mismanagement, corruption, and systemic injustices. Here is a report of the key protests:
On January 12, in Tehran, Social Security Organization pensioners gathered in front of the organization’s headquarters, reiterating demands for higher pensions and livable conditions. In Rezvanshahr, northern Iran, workers of the Chooka wood and paper company protested unpaid wages, continuing a wave of similar rallies by retirees from the same company who had earlier demanded higher pensions.
In Kerman, southern Iran, merchants of Arg Square rallied to protest economic hardships and the closure of the square, a key marketplace in the region. In Shush, southwest Iran, retirees of the Social Security Organization staged a protest in front of the governorate, calling for adjustments to pensions in line with the cost of living and chanting, “We have no money, no bread—damn this inflation!” In Ahvaz, southwest Iran, pensioners of the Social Security Organization gathered, chanting, “High prices, inflation, have destroyed our lives!” They demanded pension increases and better living conditions.
January 12—Meymand, southern Iran
Residents of Meymand rally to protest the confiscation of their lands by the government under the pretext of serving religious sites.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/jn9xWIOqKU— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 12, 2025
In Bandar Abbas, defrauded customers of the state-backed Maskan Melli housing company held protests over mismanagement and financial exploitation. In Meymand, southern Iran, residents rallied against the government’s confiscation of their lands under the pretext of serving religious sites, accusing authorities of disregarding local rights.
On January 8, in Varzeqan, northwest Iran, gold mine workers from the Mazra’e Shadi mine rallied in front of the governorate, protesting difficult working conditions, unpaid wages, and mass layoffs. Workers reported being dismissed after eight years of service and enduring harsh conditions, with no response from the mine’s private managers.
In Tehran, defrauded customers of the Azim Khodro carmaker protested for the third consecutive day in front of the Galubandak judicial complex, demanding accountability from the company’s management.
PMOI Resistance Units carry out anti-regime activies during Pezeshkian’s visit to Sistan and Baluchestan https://t.co/jFgxqwQIeu
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 11, 2025
Meanwhile, in Golshan and Khash, security forces fatally shot two young Baluch men during recent clashes. On January 8, the burial of Abduljalil Gomshadzahi, a 20-year-old Baluch man killed by government forces, became a focal point for expressions of local discontent. Haj Hamid Gomshadzahi, a tribal elder, condemned the systemic oppression and discrimination against Baluch citizens, accusing authorities of enabling insecurity and recruiting criminal elements to destabilize the region.
On January 7, in Khorramshahr, southwest Iran, workers of Iran Ofogh Company at the Yadavaran oilfield entered the 15th day of their strike. Despite severe weather, they continued their protests over low wages and poor working conditions while highlighting the wealth generated by the oilfield compared to their dire economic situation.
In Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, residents of the West Shahed Complex, under the state-backed Mehr Housing Company, protested in front of the governorate. They opposed the abrupt rise in housing loan installments, which they argued imposed unbearable financial pressure. Authorities reportedly locked the building’s doors, refusing to engage with protesters.
January 12—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Pensioners of the Social Security Organization hold protest rally, reiterating demands for higher pensions and better living conditions.
"High prices, inflation, have destroyed our lives!" protesters chant#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/SkxtJCvynp— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 12, 2025
In Qazvin, northern Iran, defrauded customers of the state-backed Rezayat Khodro carmaker rallied in front of the judiciary building, demanding justice and the prosecution of company officials responsible for fraudulent schemes. In Tehran, municipal workers protested in front of the city council over poor working conditions and the lack of job security. Many workers highlighted their inability to secure contracts even after 18 years of service, forcing them to take second jobs to survive.
On January 7, security forces violently demolished homes in Chabahar without prior notice or legal documentation, leaving families homeless. Protests erupted as local residents resisted, leading to clashes. Witnesses reported that security forces severely beat a mother protesting the destruction of her home. Human rights activists decried the demolitions as blatant violations of citizens’ rights, exacerbating the dire living conditions of impoverished Baluch communities.
January 12—Tehran, Iran
Pensioners of the Social Security Organization hold protest rally, reiterating their demands for higher pensions and better living conditions.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/5j5PYzYDjG— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 12, 2025
Also on January 7, an explosion at a copper mine in Meshginshahr caused significant damage to nearby villages, including Jabadarq, where residential and public buildings sustained structural cracks. Some families were forced to abandon their homes. Residents, angered by the destruction and lack of accountability, blocked the mine’s access road in protest, demanding an end to environmental and infrastructural negligence.
These protests reflect growing unrest across the country, fueled by economic hardship, systemic corruption, and human rights abuses. Authorities have largely failed to address the protesters’ demands, further exacerbating tensions in a nation already grappling with widespread dissatisfaction.