On March 17, 2025, several Iranian cities witnessed a wave of protests organized by retirees and workers of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI), demanding higher pensions, unpaid wages, and an end to widespread corruption within the company’s management. These protests, held in several cities, reflect the growing discontent among citizens suffering from deteriorating economic conditions due to the regime’s policies.
Protests in Rasht: Calls for Minister’s Resignation
March 17—Rasht, northern Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and protesting corrupt management in the company.
"We don't want an incompetent minister," they chant.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/gYDrpuCwJ1— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2025
In Rasht, northern Iran, TCI retirees resumed their protest gatherings, expressing their outrage over low pensions and mismanagement. Protesters chanted slogans such as “We don’t want an incompetent minister,” demanding urgent reforms to improve their deteriorating economic situation. These demonstrations are part of a series of weekly rallies organized by retirees in response to the government’s failure to fulfill its commitments.
Bandar Abbas: Authorities Ignore Retirees’ Demands
March 17—Bandar Abbas, southern Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) hold protest rally as authorities refrain from addressing their demands for higher pensions and basic services.
"Shout for your rights," they chant.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/3huaw8Pod0— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2025
In the southern city of Bandar Abbas, similar protests took place, with TCI retirees demanding higher pensions and improved basic services. Protesters chanted “Shout for your rights” in a clear defiance of the authorities’ persistent neglect. This disregard has fueled frustration among retirees, who rely on these pensions to meet their expenses amid worsening economic crises.
Shiraz: Workers and Retirees Protest Unpaid Wages
March 17—Shiraz, southern Iran
Protest rally by workers and retirees from Iran's long-distance telecommunication industries, demanding unpaid wages. Protesters chant, "The (Persian) year is over but they haven't responded to our demands.)#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/h0FjvDl38n— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2025
In Shiraz, workers in Iran’s long-distance telecommunication industries and TCI retirees staged a protest against unpaid wages, demanding immediate action. Protesters chanted, “The (Persian) year is over but they haven’t responded to our demands,” referring to the government’s failure to address their concerns as the year comes to an end. Workers and retirees in Iran continue to struggle with delayed payments and rising inflation, exacerbating their financial hardships.
Bijar: Demand for Implementation of 2010 Law
March 17—Bijar, western Iran
Retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) resume rally to protest corrupt policies by regime-affiliated managers and demanding higher pensions and other basic needs based on a law that the regime passed in 2010.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/xzEhnXbIcC— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2025
In the western city of Bijar, retirees continued their rallies, denouncing the corrupt policies of regime-affiliated managers. Their primary demand is the implementation of a law passed in 2010 that mandates higher pensions and improved benefits for retirees. Despite more than a decade since its enactment, the law remains unimplemented, forcing retirees to persist in their protests. While the economy continues to decline and inflation continues to rise, the regime refuses to raise the pensions of the retirees, which it is obliged to do according to its own laws.
Tabriz: Corruption in the Telecommunications Sector Under Scrutiny
March 17—Tabriz, northwest Iran
Retirees of Telecommunication Company of Iran resume weekly protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic rights and protesting the corruption of regime institutions that run the company.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/536302wwXa— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2025
Meanwhile, in Tabriz, northwest Iran, retirees staged another protest as part of their weekly demonstrations, demanding higher pensions and an end to the corruption that plagues regime-controlled institutions within the telecommunications sector. Protesters accused these institutions of financial exploitation and deliberate neglect of retirees’ rights.
Zanjan: Livestock Traders Protest Market Closure
March 17—Zanjan, northwest Iran
Livestock traders protest the closure of the Hosseiniyeh livestock market, a key hub for the traders.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/pSRaNsUgJK— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 17, 2025
Parallel to these protests, livestock traders in Zanjan, northwest Iran, demonstrated against the closure of the Hosseiniyeh livestock market, a key trading hub. The market’s shutdown has severely impacted their livelihoods, fueling their discontent with the regime’s economic policies.
Growing Public Outrage Amid Economic Crises
These escalating protests reflect the growing public frustration over government corruption and economic mismanagement. With the regime continuing to ignore the demands of retirees, workers, and traders, the demonstrations are likely to intensify in the coming weeks as various sectors of society face mounting economic hardships.