In recent days, Iran has been rocked by a series of protests, with various sectors of society rising up to voice their grievances against the regime. The unrest, spanning from environmental concerns to labor rights, highlights the growing dissatisfaction across the country. Here’s a breakdown of the key incidents:
Tarqrud, Central Iran – September 20
Residents of Tarqrud have entered their eighth consecutive day of protests against illegal mining activities sanctioned by regime authorities. These mining operations have been devastating the local environment and agriculture, driving locals to resist the government’s destruction of their land.
Lavan Island, South Iran – September 20
On Lavan Island, oil workers from the Iranian Offshore Oil Company have held weekly protests, demanding the reinstatement of their “incentive bonuses” for service in operational areas and offshore platforms. These workers have vowed to continue their demonstrations unless the government meets their demands. Other grievances include calls for the removal of incompetent managers, full payment of retirement benefits, and a revision of outdated labor laws affecting the oil sector.
September 20—Tarqrud, central Iran
8th day of protests against illegal and damaging mining activities by regime authorities, which is destroying the environment and agriculture of the region.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/YUq6prnspV— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 20, 2024
Mahshahr, South Iran – September 18
Workers at the Mahshahr Petrochemical Terminals staged a protest on September 18, demanding better working conditions, overdue benefits, and adjustments to employee status in line with neighboring companies. Similar protests were held across the southern oil and gas industry, further indicating widespread dissatisfaction in the sector.
Tehran – September 18
On September 18, residents of the Sulaimani-Vavan 800-unit housing project in Tehran gathered to protest the regime’s failure to deliver on promised homes. These prospective homeowners have been waiting for years, having invested in the government-backed Mehr Housing program, but continue to face delays and mismanagement by the authorities. Frustrated by the lack of progress and increasing financial pressure, the protesters demanded that the government fulfill its commitments and provide the housing units that were promised to them.
Dezful, Western Iran – September 17
In Dezful, victims of fraud linked to the Niusad Gostar Company (Golbaran hypermarket) staged a protest. The company, run by two retired members of the IRGC, had collected funds from over 8,000 people since 2022, promising returns that never materialized. The demonstrators demanded justice and compensation for their losses.
September 17—Isfahan, central Iran
Gathering of disabled people in front of the Isfahan governor's office in protest against the forced transfer of a 5,000 square meter property of the Welfare Organization
To the Judiciary by the Supreme Provincial Council#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/WBiAV4dlY8— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 17, 2024
Isfahan, Central Iran– September 17
In Isfahan, disabled citizens gathered outside the governor’s office on September 17 to protest the forced transfer of a 5,000-square-meter property belonging to the Welfare Organization to the Judiciary. The protesters viewed this as another example of the regime prioritizing its interests over the needs of vulnerable groups.
Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Southeast Iran– September 15
On Sunday, September 15, two Baluch teenagers, aged 17 and 18, were fatally shot by Iranian security forces in the Bam-Pusht region of Saravan County. The two cousins were returning from their family’s farmland when they were targeted by the regime’s security forces at around 2:50 p.m. This brutal incident has caused outrage in the local community, with human rights activists condemning the regime’s violence against ethnic minorities. The incident reflects the ongoing repression faced by the Baluch population, who have long been subject to systemic discrimination and violence at the hands of the regime.
Internal criticism
A former regime-affiliated cleric, Shihaboddin Haeri, openly criticized Iran’s leadership, stating that the people are cursing their rulers. Haeri noted that during Masoud Pezeshkian’s trip to Iraq last week, prominent Iraqi clerics, including Grand Ayatollah Sistani, had refused to meet with an Iranian delegation, signaling growing discontent even within regional religious circles.
Karaj
Poster of NCRI president-elect Maryam Rajavi. pic.twitter.com/toWMBjfQnI— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 19, 2024
PMOI Resistance Units
Despite the regime’s increased repression, the network of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) inside Iran continues its resistance activities across the country. These acts of defiance demonstrate the ongoing opposition to the regime, despite the risk of severe punishment.
As the protests continue, the Iranian regime is facing growing pressure from all corners of society. From labor disputes and environmental degradation to financial fraud and deadly crackdowns, the unrest reflects deep-seated frustration with the ruling clerics and their policies. With each passing day, the anger intensifies, further challenging the regime’s ability to maintain control.
