Today, on Tuesday, May 14, in various regions of Iran, widespread protests have erupted, highlighting deep-seated economic grievances among different segments of society. The demonstrations saw retirees, defrauded creditors, workers, and pensioners venting their frustrations over economic hardships and perceived injustices.
Meanwhile, in the village of Arvo, located in the Damavand region, northern Iran, residents clashed with security forces over attempts to divert water resources from their area. The confrontations ensued when authorities, acting on behalf of a repressive regime, attempted to transfer water away from the village. Reports indicate that a specialized unit violently confronted protesters, resulting in several injuries and numerous arrests.
May 14—Tehran, #Iran
Retirees and defrauded creditors of the state-backed Bank Mellat hold protest rally in front of the main headquarters of this bank.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/9YoHDCfA8e— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 14, 2024
In Tehran, the capital city, market vendors in the fragrance and cosmetics sector joined in strikes, amplifying their demands for better working conditions and fair treatment. Similar protests were witnessed in various marketplaces across Tehran, including the iconic 15 Khordad Passage and the sprawling Grand Bazaar. The grievances voiced by these traders underscored broader concerns about economic instability and unfair practices.
The unrest extended beyond Tehran, with demonstrations reported in other provinces as well. In Kermanshah, retirees and pensioners gathered outside the provincial Social Security Organization, demanding higher pensions and improved living standards. Meanwhile, in Nurabad, Lorestan province, electricity workers rallied outside the governorate office, decrying low wages, discriminatory policies, and inadequate job classifications.
May 14—Chabahar, southeast #Iran
Fourth day of strikes by workers of Makran petrochemical plant.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/To4fKWJKMv— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 14, 2024
Elsewhere in Chabahar, workers of the Makran petrochemical plant entered the fourth day of strikes, underscoring persistent discontent within the labor force. These ongoing protests reflect a broader dissatisfaction with economic conditions and governmental policies, exacerbated by soaring inflation rates.
Despite the escalating unrest, state efforts to address economic challenges have fallen short. Reports suggest that the Ebrahim Raisi government has vowed to contain inflation, with official rates surpassing a record-breaking 52%, marking an 80-year high.
As tensions continue to simmer, the resilience of the protest movement underscores the depth of public discontent and the pressing need for substantive change, leaving the regime to decide either to solve the underlying problems or face its ultimate fate on the streets of Iran.
More images of the protest rally by retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization in Kermanshah.#Iran #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/T6xWv9oZa6
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 14, 2024
