On December 22, Iran witnessed a wave of protests in several cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Kermanshah, Shush, Ahvaz, and Gachsaran. These protests were led by social security retirees, municipal employees, and oil and gas company workers, who expressed their dissatisfaction with deteriorating economic conditions, delayed salary payments, low pensions, and rising inflation. Protesters chanted slogans denouncing economic mismanagement and social injustice, reflecting the depth of the crisis gripping the country.
December 22—Kermanshah, western Iran
Pensioners of the Social Security Organization hold protest rally, reiterating their demands for higher pensions and better living conditions. #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/GRSPoSITZZ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 22, 2024
Social security retirees gathered in Kermanshah to demand the implementation of long-delayed promises. Despite the bitter cold, protesters raised slogans such as: “From slogans to actions, enough of empty promises” and “Public funds and the treasury have become a haven for thieves.” This gathering demonstrated the protesters’ determination to deliver their message despite harsh conditions.
In Shiraz, telecommunications company employees staged a protest to demand the payment of their delayed dues, reflecting the growing discontent among public sector employees who are suffering from difficult living conditions.
December 22—Shiraz, southern Iran
Employees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) rally to protest unpaid arrears. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/oZLpauHpjh— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 22, 2024
Social security retirees in Shush staged a protest march against poverty, corruption, and low salaries. They chanted slogans denouncing high prices and injustice, pointing to the poverty experienced by millions of citizens under the current regime.
Tehran witnessed two major demonstrations. Municipal employees and city guards gathered in front of the city council to demand improvements in their conditions and rights. On the same day, retirees from the steel and mining sectors gathered in front of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, demanding a solution to their deteriorating economic conditions.
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, retirees from the steel and mining sectors gathered on Neshat Street to demand their rights amid escalating economic crises. These protests showed the extent of frustration among retirees.
The workers of the Gachsaran Oil and Gas Operating Company staged a large-scale protest, chanting slogans such as: “Today is a day of mourning for the working community,” expressing the deterioration of their economic and living conditions.
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 Ahvaz, social security retirees gathered in front of the organization’s general headquarters in Khuzestan, protesting the difficult living conditions and the ongoing violations of their rights.
These protests come amid a stifling economic crisis. The suffering has worsened with power and gas cuts during the cold winter, which have directly affected daily life and industries in many regions. In addition, rising inflation has made basic goods and services out of reach for a wide segment of citizens.
On the other hand, the Iranian regime’s regional interventions have contributed to the depletion of the country’s resources. Reports indicate that more than $50 billion has been spent to support the Assad regime in Syria and to finance militias and terrorist organizations in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. In addition, the costly nuclear program is draining national resources, deepening poverty, and fueling social discontent.
The protests witnessed in Iran indicate the escalation of popular anger toward the ruling regime. With poverty deepening, inflation soaring, and corruption persisting, the country appears to be on the verge of a major uprising. The unity of workers, retirees, and other segments of society in their demands for justice and accountability reflects the growing momentum toward a popular movement that could fundamentally change Iran’s future.