Monday saw another day of protests across Iran, featuring a diverse range of demonstrators from retirees and workers to traders, each expressing their distinct demands and dissatisfaction with government policies.
In Kermanshah, telecommunications retirees organized a protest against the injustice and discrimination they believe results from the interference of the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in managing their pension fund. The retirees argue that these entities, which have a long history of influencing economic and financial policies in Iran and are among the most corrupt governmental bodies in the country, have taken control of the fund and exploited retirees’ money for their own interests under the direct oversight of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
December 30—Kermanshah, western 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/McvIfWXwK8— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 30, 2024
In Ahvaz, telecommunications retirees held protests against major government bodies, voicing their suffering from the manipulation of retirement funds and the lack of transparency in their management. Protesters in Ilam, Sanandaj, and Isfahan participated in similar gatherings, demanding an end to exploitation and improved management of the pension fund to ensure a dignified life after years of service.
Ilam also witnessed a gathering of workers laid off from the Arghavan Gostar Petrochemical Company and their families, who protested in front of the governor’s office demanding justice and compensation for their arbitrary dismissal.
December 30—Ilam, western Iran
Dismissed workers of the Arghavan Gostar Petrochemical company resume protests in front of the provincial governorate, demanding policy changes that will ensure employment for locals.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/BdCgjeKin0— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 30, 2024
In Zanjan, retired educators gathered in front of the governor’s office, calling for improved living conditions and addressing issues related to retirement pensions. The retirees expressed their discontent with inadequate pensions that do not keep pace with the continuous rise in living costs, asserting their right to a dignified life after years of service in the educational sector.
December 30—Zanjan, northwest Iran
Retired teachers and educators hold protest rally in front of the provincial governorate to reiterate their demands for higher pensions and access to basic services.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/x9AYdTemdf— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 30, 2024
In Kurdistan, about 300 retired teachers participated in a major protest in front of the governor’s office demanding improvements in retirement pensions and living conditions. The retired teachers, who served for decades in education, expressed their dissatisfaction with inadequate pensions that do not match the increasing costs of living, calling for increased pensions and improved health and social services.
In the Yadavaran oil field in Khorramshahr, workers from Iran Ofogh Company entered the sixth day of their strike. The workers are protesting against the management’s disregard for their demands, calling for improved working conditions, increased wages, and enhanced healthcare. The protesters emphasize the necessity of meeting these demands to ensure the continuity of work at the oil field and maintain productivity.
December 30—Khorramshahr, southwest Iran
Sixth day of strikes by workers of Iran Ofogh company in the Yadavarn oil field, protesting regime authorities ignoring their demands for better pay and working conditions.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/4fsk8VlQuU— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 30, 2024
In the city of Mashhad, traders in the Atlas Market organized a strike and protest in response to inflation and severe price hikes, which they consider a result of government inefficiency. The protesters, representing various commercial activities in the market, closed their shops and raised slogans demanding effective measures to combat rising prices and improve economic policies. The strike comes a day after a major strike in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar for similar reasons.
As Iran faces severe economic crises, the Iranian regime’s regional interventions significantly drain the country’s resources. Reports indicate that over $50 billion has been spent to support the now-ousted Assad regime in Syria, in addition to funding militias and terrorist groups in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. The nuclear program also constitutes a significant financial burden, further deepening poverty and fueling social discontent among the people.