Protests erupted across Iran as retirees and defrauded citizens voiced their grievances against economic mismanagement and government corruption. Demonstrations were reported in several cities, with participants demanding higher pensions, better living conditions, and action against systemic fraud.
In Damghan, northcentral Iran, steel and mining industry retirees rallied to demand pensions that meet basic living costs and access to essential services. Similarly, in Isfahan, central Iran, steel industry retirees resumed their protests, marching through the city and chanting slogans like “The government has no money for retirees; all the people’s money goes to embezzlement!” Protesters highlighted their worsening financial situation and criticized the regime’s failure to address their demands for pension reform.
In Ahvaz, southern Iran, retirees of the Social Security Organization staged a protest calling for increased pensions and improved living standards. Their chants, such as “Gatherings and protests are our inalienable rights!”, reflected their defiance against the government’s inaction. Also in Ahvaz, steel industry retirees joined the protests, expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises to adjust pensions.
January 26—Isfahan, central Iran
Retirees of the steel industry resume protests rallies, demanding the government is to raise their pensions according to the regime's own laws.
"The government has no money for retirees!" protesters chant#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/zLV8FiuXeU— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 26, 2025
Defrauded citizens also took to the streets in Hamedan, western Iran, where victims of intermediary loans from the state-owned Resalat Bank rallied outside the governorate. The protesters condemned widespread corruption and accused officials of failing to take action to recover their lost savings.
In Tehran, retirees protested outside the Social Security Organization, demanding their overdue payments and pension adjustments. Meanwhile, candidates who were denied positions due to alleged systemic errors in an educational exam held another demonstration outside the Ministry of Education, calling for transparency and fair treatment.
January 26—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the Social Security Organization hold protest rally, demanding higher pensions and better living conditions.
"Gatherings, protests are our inalienable rights!" protesters chant.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/WGkd44KTZ9— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 26, 2025
Retirees also protested in Gilan, northern Iran, where demonstrators gathered outside the Social Security office to demand justice for their economic grievances.
These protests highlight the growing unrest among retirees and defrauded citizens across Iran, as the regime continues to face criticism for its failure to address systemic corruption, economic mismanagement, and rising costs of living. As the demonstrations gain momentum, they underscore the widespread frustration with the government’s inability to meet its citizens’ basic needs and uphold its promises.
Activities of PMOI Resistance Units in Zahedan highlight growing anti-regime sentiment in Iran https://t.co/AjDF60Ymma
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 26, 2025