On March 9, 2025, Iran witnessed a wave of protests and strikes across various sectors, including truck drivers, retirees, nurses, oil workers, university staff, and emergency medical teams. Demonstrations erupted in multiple cities as people voiced their anger over deteriorating economic conditions, rampant corruption, and unbearable living costs. As the regime continues to ignore these demands, the situation appears to be heading toward further escalation, especially given the deepening economic crisis and financial collapse affecting millions of Iranians.
March 9—Tehran, Iran
Truck drivers from the Turkish border continue protests, denouncing corruption in the industry and mining sector and demanding the release of their trucks, which had been unlawfully seized by authorities.#IranProtestshttps://t.co/yLh2Rr1uSr— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 9, 2025
In Tehran, truck drivers coming from the Turkish border continued their protests in front of the National Inspection Office, denouncing corruption in the transport and mining industries. They demanded the immediate release of their trucks, which had been unlawfully seized by the authorities, causing massive financial losses for the drivers. With rising inflation and crushing fuel costs, their struggle is part of a broader economic crisis gripping the nation.
In Ahvaz, retirees of the Social Security Organization took to the streets, demanding higher pensions and improved healthcare and social services amid skyrocketing inflation that has eroded their earnings.
More footage of the protest rally by retirees of the Social Security Organization in Ahvaz.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/mc0X3wR0dT
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 9, 2025
Retirees in Shush held a similar protest, condemning government corruption, the failure to adjust pensions, and the worsening economic situation.
Protesters in Shushtar rallied against low pensions and the government’s neglect of their demands for better financial security.
Retirees from the steel industry gathered in front of the Steel Retirement Fund in Mazandaran, reiterating that their current pensions are insufficient to meet their basic needs due to rampant inflation.
March 9—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/WqhGWLNWej— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 9, 2025
In Isfahan, retirees from the steel and mining sectors organized a protest march on Neshat Street, chanting against the government’s failure to address their financial concerns.
In Kermanshah, despite heavy rain and severe weather conditions, retirees gathered outside the Social Security Organization building, demanding urgent action to increase their pensions and improve essential services.
The health sector also saw widespread protests on Sunday. Nurses in Yazd staged a rally in front of the Medical Sciences University, protesting low wages, poor working conditions, and a shortage of medical staff. They called for immediate reforms to improve the healthcare system and end salary discrimination against nurses.
March 9—Yazd, central Iran
Nurses rally in front of the Medical Sciences University of Yazd, protesting poor working conditions and low pay.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/eYPDhwwQp3— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 9, 2025
Medical emergency workers in Rasht held a protest rally, chanting: “Enough with the empty promises, our tables are empty!”
Their demonstration highlighted the worsening financial hardships facing healthcare workers, who are struggling with low wages and lack of job security.
Employees of Tehran University held a protest rally, chanting slogans against the corrupt leadership of the university and government. Their main slogans were: “Unjust minister, resign, resign!” and “University caretaker, resign, resign!”
Their protest is part of a growing movement against administrative corruption in Iran’s education system.
In Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province, contract workers at the Bibi Hakimeh oil field went on strike, protesting the government’s refusal to meet their demands for better working conditions and the failure to pay their Nowruz bonuses. Despite generating billions in oil revenue, the Iranian regime continues to neglect its workforce, pushing more laborers into financial distress.
March 9—Rasht, northern Iran
Protest rally by medical emergency staff. Protesters are chanting, "Enough with the promises, our tables are empty."#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/jQc6xovzAk— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 9, 2025
Concrete mixer truck drivers in Mashhad went on strike, protesting government policies that have reduced their diesel fuel quotas, making it impossible for them to continue their work.
These widespread protests reflect the deep economic crisis engulfing Iran. The ongoing inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread corruption have led to an unprecedented decline in living standards.
The sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial has crippled purchasing power.
Basic goods and services are now unaffordable for millions of people, while salaries remain stagnant.
March 9—Mashhad, northeast Iran
Drivers of mixer trucks on strike, protesting government policies and low diesel rations.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/BvsJzrnJ7D— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 9, 2025
The Iranian regime continues to squander billions of dollars on funding terrorist proxies across the region while ignoring its own population’s suffering.
The economic collapse is not just due to sanctions; it is the result of systemic corruption and mismanagement by the ruling elite.
The government has failed to address the growing discontent, further fueling public outrage and unrest.
With no meaningful reforms in sight, the protests are expected to expand and intensify in the coming weeks.