Protests broke out across Iran on Monday, December 9, as retirees, students, and citizens rallied in multiple cities to voice grievances over economic hardships, unsafe living conditions, and systemic neglect by authorities. The demonstrations reflect a nation grappling with deepening social and financial crises.
In Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province (southwest Iran), Social Security retirees held a rally demanding increased pensions and relief from inflation. Protesters chanted, “Only in the streets can we win our rights,” and condemned the government’s inaction in addressing their economic plight. Steel retirees also gathered in the city, demanding overdue benefits and better living conditions.
In Shush, Khuzestan Province (southwest Iran), Social Security retirees organized protests with slogans like “Our table is empty; what more do you want from us?” Protesters decried the growing economic pressure and demanded immediate reforms.
December 9—Tehran, Iran
Retired teachers hold protest rally in front of the Majlis (parliament), demanding higher pensions and access to basic services.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/9PVHn7Qf0d— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 9, 2024
In Isfahan, Isfahan Province (central Iran), steel industry retirees held a demonstration, raising banners and chanting, “We will not rest until we get our rights.” The protest highlighted ongoing discontent over unpaid pensions and declining access to essential services.
In Kermanshah, Kermanshah Province (western Iran), Social Security retirees rallied against inadequate pensions, chanting, “Protesting is our absolute right.” Simultaneously, telecommunications retirees gathered in the city, decrying corruption and shouting, “A single embezzlement less, and our problems will be solved.”
December 9—Tabriz, northwest Iran
Retirees of Telecommunication Company (TCI) of Iran resume weekly protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic rights.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/WpMUURkDdn— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 9, 2024
Protests extended to Tehran, where students of Azad University rallied against steep tuition fee hikes, while Beheshti University students staged a sit-in following a dormitory carbon monoxide leak that poisoned 44 students. “The student needs safety, not excuses,” they chanted, demanding the resignation of university officials.
Retirees of the telecommunications sector continued their longstanding protests, with rallies reported in Tehran, Zanjan, Tabriz, Fars, Bijar, and Mazandaran. In Zanjan, protesters chanted, “Neither the parliament nor the government cares about the people,” expressing frustration at systemic failures to address their demands.
December 9—Sari, northern Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran hold protest rallies. Regime authorities continue ignore their demands for higher pensions and basic services based on the regime's own laws.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/RpWS2axOw0— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 9, 2024
In Mirjaveh, Sistan and Baluchestan Province (southeastern Iran), three Baluch citizens lost their lives, and three others were injured following a landmine explosion and subsequent gunfire by military border forces in the Padagi region. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers and systemic marginalization faced by the Baluch community, drawing anger and frustration from locals.
These protests mark another day of widespread discontent across Iran, with citizens from diverse sectors challenging the regime’s inability to address inflation, economic instability, and safety concerns. The growing wave of demonstrations underscores a nation in turmoil, with calls for accountability and urgent reforms intensifying.
