On January 5, 2025, Iran witnessed a surge in protests across multiple cities today as retirees, workers, and other segments of society took to the streets to demand justice, accountability, and better living conditions. The protests, marked by chants denouncing the government’s economic policies and corruption, underscore a growing wave of dissatisfaction amidst an escalating economic crisis.
In Isfahan, central Iran, retirees from the steel industry resumed their protest rallies, demanding that the government adjust their pensions in line with its own regulations. Protesters, chanting “Shout for your rights!” called attention to their plight in a country grappling with severe financial turmoil.
More footage of the protest rally by retirees of the steel industry in Isfahan.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/epcYMYQezv
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 5, 2025
Similar protests erupted in Ahvaz, southwest Iran, where retirees from various sectors, including the steel industry and the Social Security Organization, rallied to demand higher pensions and access to essential services. “High prices and inflation are destroying people’s lives!” protesters chanted, reflecting the nationwide frustration with skyrocketing costs of living.
Adding to the unrest, contract workers in the oil sector in Ahvaz staged a rally, protesting inadequate job security, low wages, and inequitable contract terms. In a show of solidarity, workers and retirees from multiple sectors joined forces in front of the provincial governorate, emphasizing the shared struggle against worsening living conditions and rampant corruption.
January 5—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the steel industry hold protest rally, demanding higher pensions and access to basic services.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/x3gTvhSiKZ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 5, 2025
The protests extended to Kermanshah, western Iran, where retirees from the public sector, telecommunications, and the Social Security Organization held a joint rally. Their chants of “What happened to controlling inflation? Stop lying!” highlighted the growing mistrust towards government promises.
In Bushehr, southern Iran, retired educators gathered outside the provincial education ministry headquarters, demanding the government address their concerns over low pensions and unpaid retirement bonuses. Meanwhile, in Khorramshahr, southwest Iran, workers of the Iran Ofogh company continued their strike for the 13th consecutive day, calling for fair wages and improved working conditions in the Yadavaran oil field.
January 5—Kermanshah, western Iran
Joint protest rally by retirees of the public sector, telecommunications, and the Social Security Organization:
"What happened to controlling inflation? stop lying!" protesters chant.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/IIpiWPzWGk— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 5, 2025
The unrest also reached Shush, southwest Iran, where retirees from the Social Security Organization protested government corruption and poor living standards. In Rasht, northern Iran, retirees resumed their weekly rallies, demanding higher pensions and access to basic services. Chants of “We will only get our rights in the streets” echoed the sentiments of a population increasingly disillusioned with the ruling authorities.
Iran’s ongoing economic crisis has been exacerbated by the regime’s costly regional interventions and policies. Reports reveal that over $50 billion has been spent on supporting the Assad regime in Syria and financing militias and terrorist groups in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. The nuclear program, another major drain on the nation’s finances, has further deepened the economic burden, pushing millions into poverty.
January 5—Bushehr, southern Iran
Retired educators rally in front of the provincial headquarters of the education ministry, protesting low pensions and unpaid retirement bonuses.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/VYu3i8RkqA— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 5, 2025
This economic strain has sparked widespread protests across the country, as citizens from all walks of life demand justice and accountability. With inflation rates soaring and basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable, the public’s anger has reached a boiling point.
The protests reflect a growing unity among workers, retirees, and other civil society groups, as their shared grievances foster a collective demand for change. This emerging solidarity represents a significant challenge to the ruling authorities, with the potential to escalate into a broader, nationwide uprising.