
On January 13, 2025, widespread protests erupted across multiple cities in Iran, reflecting growing discontent among retirees, workers, and citizens over economic mismanagement, corruption, and government inaction. The demonstrations, involving diverse groups from retirees to truck drivers, underscore the deepening financial and social crises gripping the country.
In Ahvaz, southwest Iran, retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) resumed their protests, demanding higher pensions and basic needs as outlined in the regime’s own laws. Protesters voiced their frustration with chants such as, “High prices and inflation have ruined our lives,” highlighting the devastating impact of the economic crisis on retirees’ livelihoods.
In Kermanshah, western Iran, TCI retirees staged another rally, chanting slogans like, “Retirees rise against tyranny and discrimination.” Protesters condemned government inaction, emphasizing the growing desperation of retirees struggling to make ends meet.
January 13—Tehran, Iran
Recently retired teachers and educators resume weekly rallies to protest low pensions and unpaid retirement bonuses despite the passage of 16 months.
Protesters chant, "Educators are aware and despise discrimination"#IranProtestshttps://t.co/Jv5IIugMW0— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 13, 2025
In Qazvin, northern Iran, creditors of the state-run Maskan Melli housing company gathered in front of the governorate. They demanded the delivery of long-promised housing units, accusing officials of mismanagement and corruption that have left them without homes for years.
In Tehran, recently retired teachers and educators held their weekly protest to demand overdue bonuses and pension adjustments. Protesters chanted, “Educators are aware and despise discrimination,” emphasizing the disparity between their contributions and the government’s neglect of their rights.
In Shahrekord, western Iran, TCI retirees rallied in front of the company’s provincial headquarters. Protesters called for the implementation of pension reforms based on existing laws, accusing officials of stalling measures critical to their survival amidst skyrocketing inflation.
January 13—Urmia, northwest Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs based on the regime's own laws. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/4KDo7DVHrb— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 13, 2025
In Urmia, northwest Iran, retirees from TCI resumed their regular protests, echoing demands for basic financial and social rights. They highlighted the regime’s failure to address long-standing grievances despite repeated promises.
In Isfahan, central Iran, TCI retirees held a protest rally, accusing regime institutions of theft and neglect. Their chants of “State institutions have stolen our rights” reflected the broader sentiment of distrust and anger toward government entities.
In Sanandaj, western Iran, TCI retirees resumed their weekly protests, calling for pension adjustments and the fulfillment of basic needs as mandated by law. Demonstrators emphasized their determination to continue rallies until their demands are met.
In Hamedan, western Iran, TCI retirees protested outside the company’s provincial offices, demanding pension increases and denouncing the regime’s failure to provide basic rights.
January 13—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs based on the regime's own laws.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/42Z3aW0zVs— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 13, 2025
In Birjand, northeast Iran, truck drivers from Nahbandan and Sarbisheh rallied in front of the South Khorasan governorate, protesting the blockage of their fuel cards. Drivers accused officials of leaving them without the means to work, further exacerbating their financial difficulties.
These protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the regime’s handling of economic and social issues. TCI retirees across the country have repeatedly protested the failure to implement regulations established over a decade ago, such as the 2009 executive bylaw mandating fulfilling their financial rights.
The broader context includes rising inflation, a plummeting rial, and warnings of potential food shortages. Officials like Salman Zaker, a member of Iran’s parliamentary industry committee, have openly warned of the possibility of famine if current economic instability persists.
Adding to the unrest, the regime’s repressive tactics and systemic corruption have further alienated citizens. Protesters have accused influential entities such as the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) and the IRGC Cooperative Foundation—major stakeholders in companies like TCI—of misappropriating funds and prioritizing their interests over public welfare.
The wave of protests on January 13 serves as a stark reminder of the Iranian people’s growing frustration with economic injustice and authoritarian rule. With calls for solidarity across social and professional groups, the momentum of these demonstrations signals an intensifying challenge to the regime’s ability to suppress dissent and maintain control amidst mounting crises.