Protests erupted across several cities in Iran on September 30, as workers and retirees from the oil, gas, and telecommunications sectors continued to demand improved wages, pension reforms, and better working conditions. Demonstrations in key southern and western cities highlighted the deepening dissatisfaction with the regime’s economic policies, with protesters increasingly vocal about their grievances.
In Kangan, located in Bushehr Province, Southern Iran, employees of the Pars Oil and Gas Company rallied to demand changes to retirement rules and the removal of salary caps. The workers’ dissatisfaction reflects growing unrest in Iran’s vital oil and gas industries, as laborers face difficult conditions without sufficient financial compensation or benefits.
In Ilam, Ilam Province, Western Iran, retirees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) took to the streets, accusing the regime of violating its own laws regarding pensions. The demonstrators demanded that pensions be adjusted to match the rising costs of living, a reflection of Iran’s escalating inflation and the resulting economic hardships for retired workers.
September 30—Kangan, southern Iran
Protest rally by employees of Pars Oil and Gas Company who demand changes to retirement rules, removing the salary ceiling, and other needs.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/rulwE2mI4j— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 30, 2024
Simultaneously, in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Southwest Iran, telecommunications retirees held their own rally, protesting against low pensions and poor living conditions. Chanting slogans such as “Enough with the promises, our tables are empty,” protesters voiced their frustration with the regime’s failure to address their demands, highlighting the growing discontent in southwest Iran.
The wave of protests continued in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, Northwest Iran, where retirees of the TCI resumed their rallies over similar issues, particularly low pensions and the government’s lack of response to their repeated demands. These gatherings in northwest Iran signal the growing geographical scope of unrest among retirees.
Meanwhile, employees of the Fajr Jam Gas Refining Company in Bushehr, Bushehr Province, Southern Iran, protested outside their company headquarters, reiterating demands for better wages and improved working conditions. Bushehr’s critical position as an oil and gas hub makes these protests particularly significant, as workers in the industry continue to press for fair treatment and respect for labor rights.
September 30—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Telecommunications Company of Iran rally to protest low pensions and poor living conditions.
"Enough with the promises, our tables are empty," protesters chant#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/l8VQfOBtHz— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 30, 2024
In addition to these labor protests, PMOI Resistance Units marked the second anniversary of the Bloody Friday of Zahedan by commemorating the martyrs and reaffirming their commitment to overthrowing the regime. The Zahedan massacre occurred during protests in 2022, when dozens of protesters were killed by the regime’s security forces. The remembrance of this event adds another layer to the ongoing protests, with demonstrators signaling that their fight extends beyond economic demands to include a broader push for freedom and regime change.
These protests reflect a continuing wave of unrest across Iran, as various sectors of society, from oil workers to retirees, express their dissatisfaction with the regime’s mismanagement and oppressive policies. The regime’s failure to meet even the most basic economic needs of its people is fueling widespread anger, with demonstrators uniting around the belief that only the end of the clerical dictatorship can bring real change.
September 30—Tabriz, northwest Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) resume rallies to protest low pensions and lack of response by the government.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/ZNlKj0FeBQ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 30, 2024
Tehran
"The blood of Baluch martyrs is alive across Iran" pic.twitter.com/T2o4fBWBzb— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 30, 2024
