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Iran Protests: Widespread Demonstrations Erupt on October 31, 2024 

Iran saw widespread protests today as various social and labor groups across the country took to the streets, demanding their rights and expressing dissatisfaction with economic and social conditions. The unrest spanned across major cities, reflecting the deepening discontent among diverse sections of society. 

In Tabriz, workers at the Polynar Petrochemical Company continued their strike, now in its third day, protesting low wages and broken promises by company officials. This strike signifies growing frustration within the industrial sector as workers demand fair compensation.  

Retirees also staged rallies in several cities, including Mashhad, Khorramabad, Rasht, Kerman, Shiraz, and Takestan, gathering outside the offices of Majlis (Parliament) representatives. They demanded higher pensions and better access to essential services, as promised by the government. The retirees’ persistent calls for justice underscore the challenges faced by those on fixed incomes amid soaring inflation. 

A report from Mashhad highlighted retirees protesting outside a parliamentary office, holding banners calling for fair treatment and financial redress. This was mirrored by similar gatherings in Khorramabad and Kerman, where demonstrators emphasized their plight with chants and placards. 

In Mashhad, municipal workers (known as pakbanan) protested outside the city council and municipal office, voicing anger over delayed wages and poor working conditions. These workers play a crucial role in maintaining urban cleanliness, yet their financial struggles highlight broader systemic issues affecting public sector employees. 

In Kerman and Kermanshah, bakers staged protests against the government’s bread subsidy cuts and reduced quotas under the “Nanino Plan,” a project that aimed to digitize the bread subsidy system but has faced backlash for its impact on local businesses. 

In Konarak, workers from Avaye Jahanbin Company held demonstrations, and in Arak, applicants for the National Housing Project in the Kouye Kowsar Foundation staged a protest. 

Additionally, on Wednesday, October 30, contract workers from South Pars in Bushehr protested against conditions related to their employment. 

The widespread protests today reflect ongoing economic pressures exacerbated by inflation and stagnant wages. With an economy beset by international isolation and domestic mismanagement, protests across social strata continue to expose the growing chasm between the regime and its citizens. As the situation intensifies, it remains uncertain how the government will address these persistent and widespread demands.