Amid the intensifying economic crisis gripping Iran, widespread protests continued in several cities across the country on Sunday, with citizens from various sectors raising their voices against deteriorating living conditions and government neglect.
March 17—Isfahan, central #Iran
Retirees of the steel industry resume protest rallies to reiterate their demands for higher pensions according to the rising costs of living.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/Vw3lcTJbAc— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2024
In Qom, maintenance workers and employees staged a significant protest over unpaid wages, bonuses, and unfulfilled financial obligations related to holidays and special occasions. The demonstrators expressed their frustration with the government’s failure to meet its financial commitments, a reflection of the growing discontent among public sector workers facing economic hardships.
Meanwhile, in Karaj, railway workers initiated a strike, demanding attention to their grievances over work conditions and pay disputes. In Gachsaran, contract workers of the oil and gas company resume their protests rallies as regime authorities ignore their just and legal demands for contract reforms, job security, and better wages. In recent weeks and months, oil workers in other cities across Iran have been holding similar protest rallies as regime authorities continue to ignore their demands for their most basic rights.
A notable escalation of protests was seen in cities such as Shush, Tehran, Ahvaz, Isfahan, and Arak, where retirees of the Social Security Organization took to the streets. These demonstrations, occurring on the brink of the Persian New Year, voiced outrage over the dire economic situation and inflation, sharply criticizing the government’s indifference to their demands for improved living conditions.
March 17—Shush, southwest #Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization resume protest rallies to demand higher pensions and other basic needs.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/7fT57eWIzZ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2024
In Arak, retirees’ protests were particularly poignant, with slogans denouncing the government’s hypocrisy and corruption, openly challenging the regime’s religious posturing while accusing it of embezzlement and mismanagement. The protesters in Arak also highlighted the regime’s allocation of national resources to proxy wars in the region, thereby neglecting domestic welfare and contributing to the nation’s economic decline.
The retirees’ gatherings in Tehran, in front of the national pension fund for steel industry workers, and in Shush and Ahvaz, specifically targeting the Social Security Organization, spotlighted the acute financial distress experienced by the elderly, who have been particularly hard-hit by the economic downturn.
More footage of the protest rally by retirees of the Social Security Organization in Arak.#Iran #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/5Y6tyernBi
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2024
According to the regime’s own laws, the government is supposed to adjust pensions according to the costs of living. But as prices continue to soar, officials refrain from raising pensions. Meanwhile, the regime continues to squander the wealth of the country and the people on nefarious goals such as manufacturing weapons for its proxies and allies and spreading terrorism in the region.
These demonstrations reflect a broader pattern of civil unrest fueled by economic dissatisfaction and perceived government inaction. The participation of retirees alongside workers from various sectors — including maintenance, railway, and steel industries — underscores the widespread nature of the grievances.
March 17—Tehran #Iran
Retirees of the steel industry resume protest rallies in front of the offices of the Steel Retirement Fund to reiterate their demands for higher pensions according to the rising costs of living. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/cS7RKbZlDg— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2024
The continuing protests serve as a stark indicator of the Iranian populace’s disillusionment with the regime’s ability to govern effectively. With the approach of the Persian New Year, these demonstrations not only underscore the urgent need for economic reform but also signal a growing readiness among Iranians to mobilize against systemic failures.
March 16—Gachsaran, southwest #Iran
Contract workers of the oil and gas company resume their protests rallies as regime authorities ignore their just and legal demands for contract reforms, job security, and better wages. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/knVFMMSyfv— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2024
