Protests and strikes have erupted in multiple cities across Iran today, May 15, in response to controversial new tax laws and inconsistent statements from government officials regarding the registration of jewelers’ inventory in the “Comprehensive Trade System”.
Jewelry merchants in cities including Tehran, Yazd, and Sanandaj continued their strike today, sparked by the government’s push to register their gold inventory in the so-called national trade database. The strikes have now expanded to include cosmetic and hygiene product sellers in Arak and Tehran.
Social media videos show widespread participation in the strikes, with shops in Tehran’s bustling gold markets remaining shuttered. In Mashhad, attempts by authorities to force compliance by sealing off shops have reportedly been ineffective, according to videos circulating online.
May 15—Yazd, central #Iran
Gold bazar merchants on strike, protesting new tax laws that levy heavy taxes on their assets and sales.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/TNCpj4bOSd— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 15, 2024
A prominent gold and jewelry industry figure noted that approximately 100,000 people are employed in Iran’s gold production workshops. The ongoing strikes pose significant risks to the livelihoods of nearly two million family members connected to these workers.
Additionally, retirees and citizens affected by the recent bank failures held demonstrations in Tehran and Kermanshah on May 15. Petrochemical workers in Makran, southern Iran, also joined the wave of strikes, protesting for better working conditions and rights.
May 15—Khash, southeast #Iran
Citizens rally in front of the fuel station, protesting lack of access to fuel cards.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/h8hkjP45pe— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 15, 2024
In Yazd, central Iran, gold bazaar merchants went on strike to protest new tax regulations that imposed heavy levies on their assets and sales. Meanwhile, in Khash, southeastern Iran, citizens rallied in front of a fuel station, demanding better access to fuel cards amid a severe shortage.
The growing unrest underscores the mounting frustration among various sectors of Iranian society as economic pressures and stringent government policies continue to take a toll on daily life.
These demonstrations and strikes highlight the increasing discontent among Iranian citizens and businesses, as they grapple with economic challenges and demand more transparent and fair governance.
