Today, June 24, multiple cities across Iran witnessed significant protests as retirees and creditors voiced their demands for better living conditions and justice. The discontent highlights the ongoing economic struggles and the regime’s failure to address the growing crisis.
Retired employees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) held protest rallies in several cities, including Sanandaj, Tabriz, Marivan, and Bandar Abbas. These retirees demanded higher pensions and better living conditions, accusing the regime of ignoring its own laws that mandate pension adjustments according to the rising costs of living. Despite their persistent protests, the government has refused to address their grievances, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
One protester in Sanandaj voiced the collective frustration, saying, “We have worked our entire lives, and now in our retirement, we can’t afford basic necessities. The government must uphold its promises and laws.”
June 24—Tabriz, northwest #Iran
Retired employees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) hold protest rally, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs. The regime continues to ignore their demands.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/IDhtGXIsKA— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 24, 2024
In Qazvin, northern Iran, hundreds of creditors of state-backed carmakers rallied in front of the provincial governorate, protesting corruption and the alleged theft of their investments. The protesters demanded accountability and the return of their lost funds. The situation underscores the broader issues of corruption and mismanagement within Iran’s state enterprises, which continue to erode public trust.
Residents of Ormak in Kashan, central Iran, also took to the streets, protesting a severe shortage of flour and bread. The rationing of flour in the village has only been enough to meet half of the residents’ needs, exacerbating their daily struggles. One resident lamented, “We can’t feed our families with these rations. The government needs to address this crisis immediately.”
Adding to the unrest, workers in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors have entered the fifth day of a nationwide strike. Around 20,000 project-based workers have stopped working, demanding higher wages, the elimination of subcontractors, and the implementation of a 14-days-on, 14-days-off work schedule. The strike has significantly impacted various sites, including refineries and petrochemical plants, highlighting the workers’ determination to fight for their rights.
June 24—Qazvin, northern #Iran
Creditors of state-backed carmakers rally in front of the provincial governorate to protest corruption and theft of their investments.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/utK6OhAVSk— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 24, 2024
Furthermore, according to the state-run ILNA news agency, workers have been receiving threatening messages in support of the contractors, but their resolve remains unshaken.
The ongoing protests and strikes reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the regime’s handling of economic and social issues. Inflation, rising costs, and inadequate wages have pushed many Iranians to the brink, leading to an increase in public demonstrations. Despite the regime’s attempts to quell dissent and promote voter participation, the public’s frustration continues to boil over.
