Despite the Iranian regime being embroiled in post-election issues and political displays, July 2024 saw a surge in public protests driven by a variety of socio-economic grievances. Demonstrators, including retirees, farmers, and oil workers, were the most persistent, showcasing widespread discontent and a general disregard for the political games of the ruling authorities.
In July 2024, at least 334 protest actions took place across Iran. The protests were broken down as follows:
- Workers: 193 protests (including 123 strikes by oil industry workers and 70 other worker protests)
- Retirees: 75 protests
- Farmers: 10 protests
- Educators: 5 protests
- Nurses: 3 protests
- Truck drivers: 1 protest
- Merchants: 1 protest
- Students: 1 protest
- Other groups: 45 protests
Characteristics of the Protests
During this period, workers held 71 protests, primarily in the oil industry. Various groups, including workers from Ahvaz National Steel Group, National Drilling Company, Arghavan Petrochemical in Ilam, Sina Petrochemical in Chabahar, Fajr Jam Gas Refinery, and several other oil and gas operations across the country organized the protests. These protests were driven by issues such as poor management, low wages, lack of job security, and delays in salary payments.
On June 30, 2024, oil industry contract workers at companies like Dasht Abbas and Samin went on strike, demanding higher wages and a 14-days-on, 14-days-off work schedule. They had previously warned that if their demands were not met by the end of June, they would strike. Their key demand was the elimination of contractors, arguing for equal pay and benefits for all oil workers, regardless of their contract type. This strike dubbed the “14-14 Campaign,” continued throughout July, affecting over 123 oil and gas companies.
#Iran News:
Protests Escalate Amidst #Economic Hardship and Government Repressionhttps://t.co/KNQNt1aAeK— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 2, 2024
Retirees also held 75 protests during this time, focusing on the lack of pension adjustments, unpaid benefits, and low pension amounts. They chanted slogans such as “Free imprisoned teachers and workers,” “Equal rights for men and women,” and “Implement the regulations, it’s our right!”
Farmers in various regions, including Darreh Shahr and Andimeshk, protested against delayed payments for their wheat, water rights issues, and reduced fuel allocations. Educators, including literacy movement instructors in Tehran and preschool teachers in Hamadan, protested against employment conditions and delays in housing projects.
Healthcare workers, including staff at Ilam’s medical centers and Tehran’s private Mobin Kosar Hospital, protested against unpaid wages and poor working conditions. Truck drivers in Mashhad also went on strike over unpaid salaries.
Additional protests included shopkeepers in Tabriz protesting power outages, medical students in Shiraz demonstrating against being used as cheap labor and various housing project participants across the country protesting delays and mismanagement.
Other notable protests involved residents of various regions:
- People in Tarq Rud, Natanz, protested against travertine stone mining.
- Residents of Khems village, Khalkhal, demonstrated against the destructive activities of sand and gravel mines and washing plants.
- Villagers in Potkestan, Ardakan, protested a glass mine in their village.
- Residents of Zardkouh village protested displacement issues due to landslides.
- People in Ahmadabad village, Iranshahr, protested for the replacement of the village’s power transformer.
- Several areas in Iranshahr experienced protests over power outages.
- Tehran citizens protested against the illegal occupation of public parks.
- People in Robat Posht Badam, Ardakan, protested the digging of deep wells in their village area.
#Iran News: #Economic Woes Ignite Widespread Protests in Iranhttps://t.co/zpkmc5P8sC
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 22, 2024
The protests highlight the widespread dissatisfaction with the regime’s handling of economic and social issues. From workers and retirees to farmers and educators, a broad spectrum of Iranian society has voiced their grievances, reflecting a pervasive discontent with the current state of affairs. As these protests continue, the government’s response, characterized by repression and indifference, points to a turbulent path ahead. The populace’s demands for justice and better living conditions remain unmet, signaling the potential for further unrest.
