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Iran Protests: Economic Struggles, Labor Unrest, and Crackdowns on February 4, 2025

In Arak, central Iran, more than a thousand residents gathered to protest air pollution on February 4, 2025

In Tehran, the nation’s capital, families of political prisoners sentenced to death gathered outside Evin Prison, demanding the revocation of execution orders. Holding pictures of their loved ones, they carried banners with slogans such as “No to executions” and “Abolish the death penalty,” highlighting concerns over judicial fairness and human rights violations.

In Tehran, bazaar merchants went on strike and organized protests in response to skyrocketing prices and the severe devaluation of the national currency. The protests, concentrated in Molavi Street, South Khayyam Street, and Meydan-e Qiyam, saw business owners shutting their shops in defiance of high taxation and economic mismanagement.

In Kerman, southern Iran, workers of the wastewater treatment plant project rallied to protest months of unpaid wages. The demonstrators, frustrated with financial hardship, called for immediate government intervention to ensure fair compensation.

In Arak, central Iran, more than a thousand residents gathered to protest air pollution caused by the burning of mazut at the local power plant. Chanting slogans such as “Arak is declining, Parliament is indifferent” and “Minister of Oil and Energy, resign! resign!”, demonstrators demanded immediate action to address the deteriorating air quality in their city.

In Kermanshah, western Iran, retired government employees held a protest rally demanding higher pensions and improved access to basic services. The demonstrators, many of whom struggle with inflation and economic difficulties, chanted, “We will not stop until we get our rights!” as they gathered in front of the local governor’s office.

In Bushehr, southern Iran, workers of Fajr Jam Gas Refinery and South Pars Gas Company staged renewed protests demanding higher wages and better working conditions. Chanting “Salary without discrimination,” they called attention to wage disparities and inadequate labor rights protections in the energy sector. Bushehr also saw another demonstration at Fajr Jam Gas Refinery and South Pars Gas Company where workers reinforced their demand for fair pay and improved workplace rights.

In Shushtar, southwest Iran, contract workers of the Greater Karun Irrigation Network Exploitation Company demonstrated against unfair employment conditions. The protesters demanded official worker status, which would grant them greater job security and benefits, as opposed to precarious contract-based employment.

On February 2, in Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchestan Province (southeastern Iran), special forces raided Lucho village and the Ab-e Zahedan residential area, demolishing the homes of Baluch residents. Security forces used excessive force, beating those who protested the demolitions and arresting several individuals.

Also on February 2, in Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan Province (southeastern Iran), at approximately 3:00 PM, security forces attacked residents in the Moradabad area, demolishing a residential wall, which led to protests from local Baluch residents. Earlier that same day, around 2:00 AM, security forces raided the Kamb area of Chabahar, destroying another home.

The protests reflect growing economic discontent, labor rights struggles, and concerns over political repression. Amid escalating tensions, Iranian authorities have sought to suppress demonstrations, but public frustration continues to fuel further mobilization.