On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Iranians across several cities took to the streets in a wave of synchronized protests involving retirees, truck drivers, bakers, and customers defrauded by state-backed auto manufacturers. All were united by one message: rejection of poverty, repression, discrimination, and corruption.
From the south to the north, from laborers to pensioners, public anger continues to rise amid political and economic deadlock and the Iranian regime’s persistent disregard for the demands of the oppressed.
May 4—Shush, southwest Iran
Retirees of the Social Security Organization hold protest rally, reiterating their demands for higher pensions and basic services.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/sWYqp9FkiQ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 4, 2025
In the city of Shush, retirees from the Social Security Organization protested in front of the institution’s office, decrying deteriorating living conditions and poor medical services. They chanted slogans such as: “From Khuzestan to Gilan, death to these managers” and “Inflation rules the market,” highlighting the crisis of low pensions and lost dignity after years of hard labor.
Outside the central office of the Social Security Organization in Tehran, pensioners demanded immediate improvements. They voiced their frustration with slogans like: “From mines to ports, workers’ graveyards,” underscoring the danger and disregard workers face throughout their careers.
May 4—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the Social Security Organization protest low pensions and other problems with their livelihoods. Protesters also call for the release of political prisoners and jailed activists.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/Xqk0L6vWFW— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 4, 2025
In Ahvaz, pensioners raised their voices more powerfully than ever, chanting against discrimination, corruption, and economic ruin. Slogans like: “Message to the government: shame on you!” and “When it’s our turn, the treasury is empty!” exposed the regime’s failure to secure a dignified life for its senior citizens.
In Yazd Province, more than 100 truck drivers formed a protest convoy, expressing solidarity with the families of victims of the Rajaei port disaster. Their protest was a condemnation of state cover-ups, denial, and the premature end to search operations while victims remain missing.
Truck drivers in Khomain held their own protest convoy, affirming that the Bandar Rajaei tragedy remains an open wound. With slogans like: “We will not forget, we will not forgive,” they demanded accountability where the authorities offered silence.
May 4—Tehran, Iran
Oil workers rally outside the Oil Ministry, demanding updated salary scales, full implementation of Article 10 of the Ministry’s laws, and better working conditions.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/BzRehHqyS0— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 4, 2025
In the Shahr-e Rey oil depot, truck drivers staged a powerful yet silent convoy to protest the government’s closure of search operations in the Bandar Rajaei disaster. They declared: “We sound our horns instead of staying silent” in a direct challenge to official negligence.
A large group of customers gathered in front of the Modiran Khodro company headquarters in Tehran, protesting the failure to deliver cars months after full payments. Despite receiving official documents and license plates, many vehicles remain stuck at the customs terminal in Bam, exposed to the elements and administrative apathy.
May 4—Isfahan, central Iran
Retirees of the steel and mining industry resume weekly protest rallies to reiterate demands for higher pensions and basic needs.
Protesters chant, "We're fed up with this injustice"#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/W2iIHH5Sc3— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 4, 2025
In Tehran and other cities, bakers held protests against rising production costs—rents, insurance, and labor wages—without any adjustment to state-controlled bread prices. They warned of mass closures and loss of income for thousands of families while the government remains unresponsive.
These protests make one truth undeniable: the entire Iranian people now stand in opposition to this regime. They have no trust in the authorities and hold no hope for improvement from within the system. Iranians understand clearly that only with the fall of the regime can their lives improve. Given the rising anger, more protests—and ultimately, a nationwide uprising—are on the horizon.