On November 17, Iran witnessed widespread protests across various cities, as diverse sections of society, including retirees, healthcare workers, transportation drivers, and small business owners, took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the deteriorating economic and living conditions. These protests reflect the growing public anger over the regime’s disregard for citizens’ demands and the absence of solutions to the escalating crises.
In Isfahan, retirees from the steel industry gathered to demand higher pensions and improved living conditions, pointing out that rising inflation has made it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs. The protesters chanted, “Enough with the warmongering, our tables are empty!” criticizing the regime’s terrorist meddling in the region, which is coming at the cost of the most basic needs of millions of Iranians.
In Shiraz, emergency medical workers (115) and nurses protested, calling for better working conditions and the payment of overdue wages. They emphasized that delays in addressing their demands exacerbate their daily struggles and negatively impact the quality of healthcare services.
In Tehran, the capital saw two major protests. The first involved oil industry retirees who gathered outside the National Iranian Oil Company on Hafez Street, demanding better pensions and relief from economic pressures. The second involved retirees of the Social Security Organization, protesting in front of the organization’s seventh branch, decrying inflation and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that threatens their livelihood.
More footage of the protest rally by retirees of the oil sector.
Protesters chant: "They plundered the retirement fund and ruined our lives"#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/1wfxZMTLaK— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 17, 2024
In Yasuj, healthcare workers protested delayed wages and insufficient resources, asserting that such harsh conditions affect their performance and the quality of healthcare provided to citizens. In the past months, nurses and other healthcare sector workers have been constantly holding protest rallies as the government continues to ignore their demands for better working and living conditions.
In Ahvaz, Social Security retirees organized a large march, chanting slogans such as “Colossal embezzlement, public misery” and “From Khuzestan to Tehran, death to these officials.” They also called for the release of jailed activists such as Sharifeh Mohammadi and Esmail Gerami.
November 17—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the Social Security Organization resume their protest rallies.
Protesters chant:
"Stop the warmongering, our tables are empty"#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/LzFnYhpgh1— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 17, 2024
In Shush, retirees held a protest march, raising political and social slogans, including “Free healthcare is our inalienable right” and called out the regime’s misuse of religion to justify its corruption and thievery. They demanded an end to corruption and recognition of their legitimate rights.
In Sirjan, iron traders gathered to protest against the unprecedented hike in taxes, which have increased from 10 million tomans to between 170 and 500 million tomans. They also criticized the municipality’s decision to close their shops without prior notice.
November 17—Sirjan, southern Iran
Metal merchants hold protest rally after the government suddenly spiked the tolls on their sales and proceeded to shutter their shops.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/5SUfIPmuDB— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 17, 2024
In Zahedan, public transport drivers held a rally in front of the governor’s office to protest the suspension of their fuel cards without justification. They expressed frustration over officials ignoring their repeated demands despite promises to resolve the issue.
November 17—Zahedan, southeast Iran
Public transportation drivers rally in front of the governorate, protesting the blocking of their fuel cards.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/eM4RNaG4z9— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 17, 2024
The majority of Iran’s population now lives below the poverty line, a situation caused by the policies of the Iranian regime and its institutions linked to the Supreme Leader. These policies drain the nation’s resources to support armed groups in the region and fund costly nuclear projects. While these resources could be directed toward improving domestic conditions, they are instead spent on foreign ventures, leaving citizens struggling to meet their basic needs.
The regime’s response to these protests was not to address the people’s demands but to escalate repression. Last month witnessed a significant increase in executions, highlighting the regime’s attempt to suppress dissent by spreading fear and intensifying pressure on society. However, this strategy appears only to fuel public anger, leading to the escalation and persistence of protests.