Iran is facing an unprecedented economic crisis, where corruption, mismanagement, and the looting of public wealth have become the defining characteristics of the regime. The economic institutions controlled by the regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with entities affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), dominate key sectors of the economy, leading to its destruction and skyrocketing poverty and unemployment rates. Amid these worsening conditions, public protests are escalating across various Iranian cities, reflecting growing popular outrage against the regime’s failed policies.
February 19—Khorasan Razavi, northeast Iran
Employees of telecommunications centers in Mashhad, Khaf, and Bardaskan hold strikes demanding the removal of corrupt contractors, the adjustment of wages, and payment of overdue arrears. This strike coincides with similar strikes in… pic.twitter.com/OlEkTP4jAL— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 19, 2025
In Mashhad, Khaf, and Bardaskan, telecommunications workers went on strike to protest widespread corruption in the industry. Protesters are demanding the removal of corrupt intermediary companies, direct employment contracts, the implementation of employee classification plans, and the payment of overdue wages from past years. Workers have vowed to continue their strikes and protest gatherings until their demands are met, signaling a rising labor consciousness in confronting corruption.
In Borazjan, Bushehr Province, victims of financial fraud linked to the Ithargaran Housing Project staged a protest against delays in receiving their homes, despite having made the required payments years ago. The project, which was supposed to provide housing for hundreds of families, has been left incomplete without justification, with funds disappearing and no accountability from the responsible authorities. Protesters have pledged to persist in their demonstrations until they reclaim their rights.
February 19—Borazjan, western Iran
Defrauded customers of the state-run Ithargaran housing company hold protest rally against government fraud and lack of response to their demands.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/jQRVb4KmpA— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 19, 2025
In Dezful, Kooy Modarres, dozens of defrauded investors of Khatam Fund gathered in front of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, demanding the return of their stolen savings. This financial institution, like many others controlled by the regime, exploited citizens with false promises, took their money, and then used its influence within the corrupt judicial system to avoid accountability.
In Tehran, a group of teachers staged a protest in front of the Ministry of Education, condemning the government’s failure to fulfill its promises of issuing professional certifications after years of service. This demonstration highlights the government’s systematic neglect and discrimination against educators, as Iran’s education sector continues to suffer from the regime’s corrupt policies.
February 18—Tehran, Iran
A group of teachers rally in front of the Ministry of Education, protesting the government not upholding its commitment to provide their with certificates after several years of service.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/oo4DjwP0fD— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 19, 2025
Meanwhile, staff at Milad Hospital in Tehran continued their protests against low wages, poor working conditions, and the regime’s refusal to address their demands. Doctors and nurses warned that Iran’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, as the government prioritizes funding foreign militant groups over providing adequate resources for essential services.
While the Iranian people suffer from poverty, unemployment, and inflation, the regime continues to waste billions of dollars to fund terrorist groups abroad. The IRGC financially supports Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, and its allied factions across the region, further isolating Iran and leading to the imposition of more economic sanctions. These policies have brought nothing but more hardship and suffering for ordinary Iranians, who now see their national wealth being drained to fuel conflicts beyond their borders.
February 19—Tehran, Iran
Staff of Milad Hospital continue protests against poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of response by regime authorities.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/VWX4B64JLI— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 19, 2025
With no political or economic solutions in sight, the Iranian people have no choice but to continue their protests. Public anger is rising daily, and as crises persist, demonstrations are expected to grow in size, organization, and impact. The coming days are likely to witness a new wave of escalations, as Iranians recognize that the only path to ending their suffering is to confront and ultimately overthrow the corrupt regime.