In late May and early June, cities across Iran were once again the scene of widespread protests as retirees, workers, and other social groups took to the streets to voice their anger against the ruling regime’s devastating policies, rampant corruption, and the severe economic hardship they face. These continued demonstrations underscore the Iranian people’s unwavering determination to achieve their rights despite the regime’s oppressive measures.
Retirees demand plundered rights amid shrinking livelihoods
The past week saw significant participation from various retiree groups who, after dedicating years of their lives to the country, now find their pensions insufficient to cover basic needs due to the regime’s plundering of their funds and its disastrous economic policies.
On Saturday, May 31, retirees from Bank Saderat, one of Iran’s major banks, gathered in Tehran, vociferously protesting the incompetence and corruption of regime officials responsible for their dire situation.
The following day, Sunday, June 1, steel and mining retirees in Isfahan assembled in front of the Pension Fund building, demanding the return of their plundered rights and an end to the policies that have impoverished them.
In Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, Social Security retirees also held a protest march on June 1. They voiced their demands for their unpaid claims and expressed solidarity with the ongoing strikes by courageous truck drivers across the country.
On Monday, June 2, the city of Rasht witnessed a large gathering of Telecommunication Company retirees. Their chants directly targeted the corrupt financial empire controlled by the Supreme Leader, with slogans such as, “The Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) has taken over the telecommunications – they have devoured our rights!” EIKO, also known as Setad, is a parastatal organization under Khamenei’s direct control, notorious for its vast, unaccountable wealth accumulated through confiscation and corruption. The retirees in Rasht reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing their legitimate rights and outstanding payments.
June 2—Isfahan, central Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) resume protests. Protesters chant, "TCI obeys no rules" and "They are all liars and thieves" referring to government institutions that manage the company.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/5sHtfF7JLr— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 2, 2025
Similar protest gatherings by retirees were also reported in other cities, including Ilam and Kermanshah, highlighting the nationwide scope of their grievances.
Workers protest against discrimination and unpaid wages
Iran’s hardworking laborers in various sectors also continued their protests against discriminatory practices, dire working conditions, and the regime’s failure to address their basic demands for fair wages and benefits.
In Gachsaran, a city in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, contract workers from the Gachsaran Oil and Gas Producing Company staged a large march on Sunday, June 1, in front of their company’s central office. They chanted slogans such as, “From slogans to action, fruitless promises!” and “Justice, justice!” The workers protested against blatant discrimination in pay, poor job conditions, and the regime’s consistent neglect of their wage and welfare demands. They called for an end to the structural injustice prevalent in Iran’s oil and gas industry, a sector whose wealth is largely plundered by the ruling elite.
June 1—Gachsaran, southwest Iran
Contract workers of the Gachsaran Oil and Gas Company hold protest rally, demanding the elimination of intermediary contracting companies, direct employment contracts, and an end to workplace discrimination.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/066Z32FTL1— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 1, 2025
Official workers of the Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC) in the Sirri Island region and at the Nasr platform also held gatherings to protest their deteriorating living conditions and unfair wage policies.
On Monday, June 2, workers at the Koushkan Transformer Manufacturing Company in Zanjan expressed their outrage over the dismissal of colleagues who had applied for retirement, holding a protest rally to demand their reinstatement and an end to such unjust practices.
Workers and employees of the National Iranian Copper Industries Company in Rafsanjan held a protest on Tuesday, June 3. They carried placards reading, “Kerman copper workers shout, we will not rest until we achieve our rights!” clearly stating their determination to fight for their livelihood and just wages against the backdrop of systemic corruption that diverts the nation’s mineral wealth.
June 3—Rafsanjan, southeast Iran
Rally by workers and staff of the National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO), protesting unfulfilled promises by a state-owned housing company.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/nRYqJgKhoT— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 3, 2025
Boat owners in Bushehr confront regime’s oppressive measures
In Bushehr, a major port city on the Persian Gulf, boat owners staged significant protests against the regime’s arbitrary policies that threaten their livelihoods. They specifically protested the ban on “Tah-lenji,” a long-standing customs allowance permitting sailors to import limited quantities of goods, which has been a vital source of income for them.
Throughout the week, dhow owners gathered in large numbers in front of the Ports and Maritime Organization building in Bushehr, demanding clarification on their uncertain claims and the fate of the “Tah-lenji” allowance.
Fearing the expansion of these protests, the regime’s repressive police forces attacked the hardworking dhow owners. They used batons and tear gas in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators, but were met with staunch resistance. Several dhow owners were injured during these brutal crackdowns. Undeterred, the Bushehri boat owners continued their protests, holding another large rally on Tuesday, June 3, where they powerfully chanted, “Tah-lenji is our undeniable right!”
June 3—Bushehr, southern Iran
Regime security forces crack down on boat owners who were peacefully protesting regulations that puts restrictions on boat trading, which are the main source of income for many people in the region.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/ZRHXZ3ta4m— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 3, 2025
Local community protests stalled essential services
Beyond the organized protests by retirees and workers, local communities also voiced their dissatisfaction with the regime’s neglect. In Sardasht, Lordegan, a city in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, residents gathered to protest the halt of the Atashgah water supply project, highlighting the regime’s failure to provide basic services to its citizens.
These widespread and persistent protests across various sectors and cities in Iran are a testament to the Iranian people’s deep-seated frustration with the clerical regime’s corruption, mismanagement, and oppressive policies. As their economic situation worsens and their rights are increasingly trampled, Iranians continue to demonstrate their resolve to reclaim their country and fight for a free and democratic future.