On December 22, protests erupted across multiple cities in Iran as workers, pensioners, and retirees rallied against economic hardship, poor working conditions, and government corruption. Demonstrations highlighted the growing discontent among various social groups as demands for justice and reforms intensified.
In Shiraz, Fars Province (southern Iran), employees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran gathered in front of the provincial headquarters, protesting unpaid arrears.
In Gachsaran, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province (southwest Iran), oil and gas workers held a rally demanding better wages and improved working conditions. Protesters chanted slogans such as, “Until we get our rights, we will not back down,” and “Great production, empty tables.”
December 22—Gachsaran, southwest Iran
Workers of Gachsaran Oil and Gas Company rally to protest low wages and poor working conditions and lack of response by authorities.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/og6c2NANmz— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 22, 2024
In Tehran, retirees of the steel industry protested outside the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, raising concerns about inadequate pensions and poor living conditions. They chanted, “Cut the embezzlement and help us instead.” Additionally, municipal employees who have worked as “Shahrban” and “Harimban” (city maintenance and safety workers) for 18 years staged a protest in front of the City Council, demanding permanent contracts and fair treatment after years of precarious employment.
In Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province (southwest Iran), pensioners of the Social Security Organization rallied outside the organization’s offices. Demonstrators voiced their anger with slogans such as, “Only on the streets will we get our rights,” and “Free healthcare is our undeniable right.”
In Shush, Khuzestan Province (southwest Iran), retirees also took to the streets, calling out the regime’s failures. They chanted, “The bankrupt government is the enemy of retirees,” and “Our pensions last only a week.”
December 22—Shush, southwest Iran
Pensioners of the Social Security Organization hold protest rally, reiterating their demands for higher pensions and better living conditions.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/V6BDc0O9DS— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 22, 2024
In Isfahan, central Iran, retirees of the steel and mines industry rallied in Nishat Street, demanding increased pensions and access to essential services. Protesters called for the resignation of “incompetent managers.”
In Damghan, Semnan Province (northern Iran), retirees of the steel and mines industries gathered, echoing similar demands for better pensions and social support.
The protests underscored widespread grievances as demonstrators in all cities decried systemic corruption, lack of accountability, and worsening economic conditions. Slogans such as, “Neither Parliament nor government cares about the people,” resonated across various rallies.
December 22—Isfahan, central Iran
Retirees of the steel and mines industry hold protest rally, demanding higher pensions and access to basic services.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/wo3OxXbDxS— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 22, 2024
In Kermanshah, Kermanshah Province (western Iran), pensioners of the Social Security Organization rallied to demand higher pensions and better living conditions, echoing grievances seen in other cities.
In Abhar, Zanjan Province (northwest Iran), workers of the Seydan Steel Factory held a protest demanding fair treatment and resolution of long-standing workplace issues.
These demonstrations reflect the escalating frustration of Iranians toward the regime, as economic mismanagement and repressive policies push more sectors of society to take to the streets.