On February 2, multiple cities across Iran witnessed widespread protests by retirees, defrauded investors, and workers. In Tehran, Ahvaz, Isfahan, Kerman, Mazandaran, Gilan, and Shush, people took to the streets to voice their anger against the economic crisis. Among the slogans chanted, “Enough warmongering, our tables are empty!”—heard during the protests of retirees in Ahvaz—became the defining message of the day. Iranians are fully aware that their poverty is not due to external sanctions but rather the regime’s destructive policies, which prioritize funding terrorism and nuclear ambitions over the well-being of its people.
Tehran: Retirees and Defrauded Investors Protest in Front of Government Institutions
In Tehran, steel industry retirees gathered in front of the Pension Fund in Vozara Street, chanting against government corruption and mismanagement. Meanwhile, landowners from Phase 2 of the Khavaran settlement in Tabriz, who have long been entangled in bureaucratic neglect, staged a demonstration in front of the Presidential Office, demanding their rights. Additionally, defrauded investors of state-backed financial institutions also took to the streets, protesting the loss of their investments due to financial fraud facilitated by state-affiliated entities.
February 2—Tehran, Iran
Landowners of the Khavaran district of Tabriz rally in front of the presidential office to protest the government not upholding its commitments to deliver homes to them.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/6UoCHF1kQ7— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 2, 2025
Ahvaz: Protests Intensify with a Powerful Slogan
In Ahvaz, separate protests by Social Security retirees and steel industry retirees took place. The steel retirees gathered in front of the Social Security Administration, chanting: “Retirees, raise your voice! Demand your rights!” and “We won’t stop until we reclaim what’s ours!” However, the most striking moment of the protests came when demonstrators chanted: “Enough warmongering, our tables are empty!”—a clear message to the regime that people fully understand the root cause of their suffering. The Iranian people know that their hardships are caused by the regime’s lavish spending on regional militias and nuclear ambitions that has drained the country’s wealth.
February 2—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the Social Security Organization resume protest rallies as the government refrains from responding to their demands for higher pensions and basic needs.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/d06XofA44b— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 2, 2025
Isfahan: Protests by Steel and Mining Retirees
In Isfahan, steel and mining retirees took to the streets, chanting: “They used Islam as a tool and left the people in misery!” These retirees, who have faced severe delays in their pensions, expressed their outrage at the regime’s disregard for their livelihood.
February 2—Isfahan, Iran
Retirees of the steel and mines industry hold protest rally, demanding higher pensions and access to basic services.
"They are abusing religion to destroy people's lives!" protesters chant.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/gA1NLdKoYo— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 2, 2025
Kerman: Retired Coal Miners Demand Justice
In Kerman, retired coal miners staged a protest against unpaid wages and benefits. These workers, who toiled for years in hazardous conditions, now find themselves abandoned by a corrupt system that refuses to honor its obligations.
February 2—Kerman, southern Iran
Retirees of the steel industry rally to protest low pensions and the regime's refusal to adjust their pensions according to the costs of living.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/BThkuyI3YC— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 2, 2025
Mazandaran & Gilan: Retirees Demand Economic Relief
In Mazandaran, steel industry retirees held a demonstration in front of the retirement fund in Qaemshahr, demanding immediate action on their financial grievances. In Gilan, Social Security retirees gathered in front of the administration office in Rasht to protest growing economic hardships and systemic injustice in pension payments.
February 2—Qaemshahr, northern
Iran Retirees of the steel industry resume weekly protest rallies in front of the offices of the Steel Retirement Fund in Mazandaran to reiterate their demands for higher pensions according to the rising costs of living.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/EEa6yORMVW— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 2, 2025
Shush: Retirees Protest Against Government Neglect
In Shush, Social Security retirees gathered in front of the Governor’s Office, chanting: “From Khuzestan to Sistan, shame on these officials!” and “Neither the Parliament nor the government cares about the people!” These retirees, struggling with extreme poverty and inflation, made it clear that they will not stay silent in the face of systemic oppression.
February 2—Shush, southwest Iran
Protest rally by retirees of the Social Security Organization, protesting low pensions and lack of access to basic services.
"We will not live in tyranny!" protesters chant.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/BVieMbIYIq— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 2, 2025
The Iranian People Know Who Is to Blame
The slogan “Enough warmongering, our tables are empty!” perfectly encapsulates the reality in Iran today. The people understand that their poverty is due to the regime’s endless funding of terrorist groups, regional proxy wars, and nuclear programs. Corruption, embezzlement, and gross mismanagement have pushed millions of Iranians below the poverty line. Experts warn that if this situation continues, protests will intensify, ultimately leading to an uprising against the oppressive regime.