On February 25, 2025, Iran witnessed a new wave of widespread protests as workers, retirees, and public employees took to the streets, demanding economic relief and condemning government corruption. Rising inflation, unpaid wages, and deteriorating living conditions have intensified public outrage, with demonstrators accusing authorities of financial mismanagement and neglecting their grievances.
In Kashan, central Iran, workers of SAIPA Kashan staged a protest against stagnant wages and unfair treatment compared to other automakers in Iran. Protesters accused company officials of ignoring their concerns and failing to implement a job classification system that would ensure fair compensation.
In Ahvaz, southwest Iran, retirees of the oil industry gathered in front of government offices to demand long-overdue pensions. Chanting slogans against government inaction, they called for immediate wage adjustments and financial support to cope with soaring inflation. Healthcare workers, including nurses and administrative staff at Aria Hospital, also walked off the job in protest of withheld wages and salary deductions used to finance end-of-year bonuses. Despite management’s promises to restore their wages, the workers refused to accept vague assurances and demanded immediate compensation.
Residents of Arak, central Iran, staged a large protest against severe air pollution caused by the burning of mazut at the Shazand Power Plant. This marks the eleventh consecutive demonstration on this issue, with protesters holding banners and chanting slogans condemning environmental neglect and government inaction. Activists have long warned about the harmful health effects of toxic emissions, but authorities have yet to implement meaningful measures to curb pollution.
February 25—Semnan, northern Iran
Truck drivers rally to protest low compensation and other problems. #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/eBWM5b1MQj— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 25, 2025
Truck drivers in Semnan, north-central Iran, launched a strike on February 24 and 25, protesting low freight rates and industry-wide economic hardships. The drivers also condemned the practices of major transport companies, such as Kahr Bar, which reportedly manipulate freight rates and issue large-scale transport permits that disadvantage independent drivers. In an act of defiance, truckers parked their vehicles in front of the governor’s office, displaying banners demanding fair wages and improved working conditions.
Fishermen in Jask, southern Iran, gathered outside the local judiciary building to protest the rising costs of fuel quotas. They accused authorities of neglecting their financial struggles, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods. The demonstrators expressed concerns about the growing dominance of large commercial fishing operations and foreign vessels, which have further squeezed their earnings.
Workers at the Petrochemical Terminals and Storage Company in Mahshahr, southern Iran, held a protest demanding unpaid wages and improved benefits. The employees, working in one of Iran’s critical industrial sectors, accused company officials of failing to fulfill their contractual obligations. Protesters warned that if their demands are not met, they may escalate their actions, potentially disrupting operations.
February 25—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the oil industry hold protest rally to reiterate their demand for higher pensions and better living conditions.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/RV6FCQGMnt— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 25, 2025
On February 24 in Ahvaz, retirees from the telecommunications sector staged demonstrations, criticizing unfulfilled government promises regarding pension increases. Protesters chanted, “Enough oppression, our tables are empty!” as they faced a heavy security presence attempting to deter the gathering.
In Lavan, southern Iran, employees of the Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC) organized a protest, citing job insecurity and substandard working conditions. Protesters condemned authorities for prioritizing foreign investments while ignoring the demands of Iranian workers.
On February 23 in Isfahan, central Iran, contract workers from the Electricity Distribution Company demonstrated outside company headquarters, protesting broken promises of wage increases and permanent contracts. When management refused to meet with them, they moved their protest to the provincial governor’s office.
Reports from state-affiliated media confirmed that on February 24 in Jiroft, southern Iran, Mohammad Zeidabadi, a police officer, was killed in an altercation with a suspect. Authorities have yet to release details, but tensions in the region remain high amid ongoing security operations.
February 25—Jask, southern Iran
Fishers rally to protest high fuel prices set by regime authorities.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/7ssIeTVmRw— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 25, 2025
In Khash, southeast Iran, a senior security official was assassinated by unidentified gunmen in what local sources describe as retaliation for government oppression. The attack follows a series of armed actions targeting security forces in the region, further fueling unrest.
On February 25 in Chabahar, southeast Iran, state security forces launched an aggressive assault on a residential home, using RPGs and semi-heavy weaponry. The intense firefight between residents and security forces was accompanied by drone surveillance and military reinforcements. The area remains under strict security lockdown.
This latest surge of protests and armed confrontations highlights growing public frustration with the Iranian regime’s economic mismanagement, corruption, and harsh repression. The increasing coordination between different sectors—from industrial workers to retirees—suggests a broader movement beyond economic grievances, directly challenging the legitimacy and stability of the ruling establishment.