Protests erupted across Iran today, December 16, as workers, retirees, and industrialists voiced their grievances against power outages, delayed wages, and inadequate pensions. Demonstrations were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Borujerd, and other cities, reflecting the intensifying frustration over the government’s handling of economic challenges and essential services.
In the capital, residents from the industrial cities of Saba, Golgoon, and Arvin blocked the Tehran-Saveh highway by setting tires on fire, protesting ongoing power outages that have severely disrupted their livelihoods. Protesters warned that continued negligence from authorities has pushed them to the brink, with many industries and businesses facing financial ruin.
December 16—Tehran, Iran
Residents of Saba, Golgoon, and Arvin industrial cities block the Tehran-Saveh road with fire in protest to power outages. #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/nJDPdJtnRX— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 16, 2024
In a separate rally, welders from Tehran’s oil refinery protested four months of delayed wages. Demonstrators demanded immediate payment and reforms to prevent recurring delays.
Retirees of the Social Security Organization also gathered outside its headquarters in Tehran to decry corruption, poor living conditions, and inadequate pensions. Protesters chanted slogans condemning the government for failing to address their worsening financial struggles.
December 16—Borujerd, western Iran
Retirees of the national telecommunications company continue protests as authorities refrain from addressing their demands for higher pensions and better living conditions.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/qYunEIX5QZ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 16, 2024
In Shiraz, southern Iran, retirees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) protested outside the company’s headquarters, demanding pension increases and resolution of long-standing grievances. Protesters accused the regime of mismanaging funds and neglecting their basic needs. Slogans included, “The Executive Headquarters of Imam [Setad Ejraei], has stolen our rights.”
In Borujerd, western Iran, telecommunications retirees continued their protests against the government’s failure to implement pension reforms and address their poor living conditions. Demonstrators held banners reading, “A high-revenue company—what has become of you?” and “Implementing regulations is our undeniable right.”
December 16—Tehran, Iran
Welders of Tehran's oil refinery rally to protest months-delayed wages.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/4intjGBZwQ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 16, 2024
Power outages have exacerbated tensions across Iran, with additional protests reported in Isfahan and Nassim Shahr (south of Tehran). Business owners in industrial areas have voiced concerns about mounting losses due to electricity disruptions, with some industries forced to shut down temporarily. Reports from Isfahan revealed that a local business owner publicly protested power cuts, highlighting the cascading effects on commerce and production.
Meanwhile, on December 15, security forces in Javanrud, Kermanshah Province, shot and killed a 20-year-old man named Soheib Ahmadi in the Baba Jani neighborhood. Ahmadi was struck by three bullets to the head and neck, resulting in his death on the spot. His body was subsequently transferred to Hazrat Rasoul Hospital. This incident has further fueled outrage over the regime’s violent crackdown on dissent.