Iran continues to witness a surge in protests as citizens from various regions express their frustrations over economic hardships, environmental degradation, and government inaction.
In Tehran, customers of the state-backed Modiran Vehicle Manufacturing Company rallied in front of the company’s headquarters on July 17. The protesters are outraged over a sudden 20% increase in vehicle prices, demanding accountability and fair pricing practices. This follows a previous protest last week outside the government’s consumer protection office.
In Aghajeri, southwest Iran, contract workers of the oil and gas company resumed their protests on July 17. These workers, striking for nearly a month, demand better job security, higher wages, and the elimination of contractor intermediaries. Their specific demands include the removal of salary caps, adjustment of base salaries, and full implementation of pension-related laws.
On July 17, residents of the Taraghrud Village in Isfahan Province protested against the unsustainable exploitation of travertine stone quarries. They claim these activities are causing severe environmental damage and air pollution. Protesters blocked the path of trucks carrying stones and chanted, “Our city is lifeless, overwhelmed by mines.”
July 17—Tehran, #Iran
Customers of state-backed Modiran Vehicle Manufacturing Company rally in front of the company's office in Tehran, protesting unjust and illegal price increases by the company.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/O6k4iOkftV— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 17, 2024
In Khuzestan Province, workers from the Agajari Oil and Gas Company staged another demonstration on July 15, highlighting their ongoing struggle for fair labor practices and improved working conditions.
The residents of Jabalbarz in Kerman Province have been protesting the chronic water shortages affecting their community. On July 17, they gathered to demand a reliable water supply.
In Rabat Posht Badam, residents protested on July 17 against the drilling of deep wells, arguing that this threatens local agriculture and depletes vital water resources. They assembled in front of the local law enforcement office to voice their concerns.
Villagers in Neyriz, Fars Province, used their mourning ceremonies on July 17 to protest the water crisis, emphasizing the severe impact on their daily lives and agricultural activities.
The widespread unrest is further fueled by the recent protest on July 15 by political prisoners across Iran’s prisons, including Evin and Ghezel Hesar. These prisoners, part of the “No to Execution” campaign now in its 25th week, are drawing attention to the regime’s use of the death penalty.
July 17—Aghajari, southwest #Iran
Contract workers of the oil and gas company resume their protests rallies as regime authorities ignore their just and legal demands for better job security and wages.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/ULU07U7vdj— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 17, 2024
On July 15, citizens in the Saravan region of Sistan and Baluchestan Province were rocked by violence when security forces shot at fuel porters, resulting in one death and one injury. In another incident on July 14, security forces’ gunfire led to a fatal accident involving a fuel trader’s vehicle in Kahnuj, causing the deaths of five people.
These protests are a clear indication of the Iranian regime’s systemic neglect of pressing economic and environmental issues. The government remains focused on regional military ventures and nuclear ambitions, leaving many citizens feeling marginalized and ignored.
