Iran witnessed a wave of protests and strikes across multiple cities on December 29 as citizens voiced their frustration over inflation, high prices, and deteriorating living conditions. Merchants, retirees, and workers took to the streets, demanding economic reforms and accountability from the Iranian regime.
Strikes in Tehran’s Bazaar and Markets
The Grand Bazaar in Tehran became a focal point for protests as merchants from various sectors—including textile, footwear, and other goods—closed their shops and joined strikes. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Don’t be afraid, close your shops!” and “Bazaar with integrity, show your support!” to encourage participation.
The strikes extended to key markets like Mellat, Hamam Chal, and Bagh-e Sepahsalar, where merchants highlighted issues including skyrocketing raw material costs, a lack of liquidity, and an inability to meet production demands.
“Rising exchange rates have made raw materials unaffordable, forcing workshops to shut down,” said a textile merchant. The U.S. dollar surpassed 81,000 tomans in recent days, compounding economic pressures.
December 29—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the steel and mines industry hold protest rally, demanding higher pensions and access to basic services.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/A8txf5Uqbo— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 29, 2024
Nationwide Protests by Retirees and Workers
Protests also erupted in cities like Ahvaz, Shush, Isfahan, and Qaemshahr, where retirees demanded higher pensions to match the rising cost of living. Chants like “Enough with the warmongering; our tables are empty!” and “Injustice is unbearable!” echoed through the rallies.
In Ilam, western Iran, employees of the Medical Sciences University protested poor working conditions and delayed payments. Workers of the Frico Cooking Oil Company in Sirjan rallied over six months of unpaid wages and insurance.
Retirees from the steel and mines industry in Isfahan and Mazandaran also joined the demonstrations, calling for better pensions and access to essential services.
December 29—Tehran, Iran
Textile merchants close shop and join the strikes in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against inflation and high prices.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/hwvZkwI5t5— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 29, 2024
Economic Crisis Sparks Unrest
The protests come amidst worsening economic conditions, driven by record-breaking inflation and the collapse of the Iranian currency. The price of gold coins surged to unprecedented levels, with the price of the Emami coin exceeding 57 million tomans.
Economic experts warn that the regime’s mismanagement could lead to hyperinflation and further destabilization. “The rising dollar will soon impact other essential markets, shrinking people’s purchasing power even more,” said an Iranian economic analyst.
Government Response and Escalation
Security forces were deployed to monitor protests in Tehran and other cities, but demonstrators remained defiant. The Coordination Council of Retirees criticized the regime’s failure to address demands, accusing it of prioritizing military and ideological projects over citizens’ welfare.
Adding to public frustration, over 11,500 healthcare workers have left Iran in the past two years, citing poor working conditions and low pay. This exodus underscores a broader crisis in critical sectors like healthcare and education.
More footage of protests by merchants of Tehran's Grand Bazaar.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/aRd1N9WP22
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 29, 2024
A Growing Movement Against the Regime
The unrest highlights the growing dissatisfaction among Iranians from all walks of life, united by grievances over economic hardship and systemic corruption. Recent statements from merchants and workers point to a deepening divide between the people and the regime.
With strikes and protests continuing to spread, analysts warn that the government’s inability to resolve these issues could fuel broader unrest, further challenging the clerical regime’s grip on power. This latest wave of protests serves as a stark reminder of the deepening economic and social crises in Iran, with citizens increasingly vocal about their demand for change.
Iran’s youth attack regime centers to mark anniversary of December 2017 uprising https://t.co/CvYPUHUTjr
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 29, 2024