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Bushehr, March 5, 2025 – Baghan Dam workers strike over four months of unpaid wages, facing hardship ahead of Nowruz
Widespread protests erupted across Iran as various social groups, including workers, retirees, landowners, and farmers, voiced their frustrations over economic mismanagement, environmental destruction, and government corruption. Demonstrations were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Bushehr, Ilam, and other cities, highlighting the regime’s ongoing failure to address the country’s mounting crises.
In Ilam, western Iran, farmers from Siahgol village gathered in front of the governorate, protesting violations of environmental regulations that threaten their livelihoods. In Isfahan, central Iran, defrauded homebuyers rallied outside the governor’s office, condemning state-owned housing companies for failing to deliver their homes after years of false promises. Meanwhile, truck drivers in eastern Isfahan blocked roads in protest against unfair freight distribution, skyrocketing fuel costs, and favoritism in cargo allocation.
March 5—Tehran
Caspian credit institution victims rally outside the Central Bank, demanding their stolen savings after 8 years of false promises and government inaction.
They chant: "Neither judges nor the government care about the people!"#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/EU65VIgrxC
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 5, 2025
In Tehran, the nation’s capital, victims of the Caspian credit institution held a demonstration outside the Central Bank, demanding their stolen savings after eight years of government inaction. Their chants reflected growing distrust in the regime: “Neither judges nor the government care about the people!”
Economic grievances continue to fuel labor strikes. In Bushehr, southern Iran, workers at the Baghan Dam project went on strike after enduring four months of unpaid wages. Protesters said their last paycheck was in November, leaving them in severe financial distress just 15 days before Nowruz.
In Haft Tappeh, agricultural workers of the Sugarcane Cultivation and Industry Complex rallied on March 5, joining the movement demanding a 70% increase in the minimum wage, citing extreme financial hardships caused by inflation and unpaid wages.
March 5—Ilam, western Iran
Farmers of Siahgol village rally in front of the governorate, protesting violation of environmental rules by government institutions, which is endangering their livelihoods.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/XX91nS4UAj
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 5, 2025
The protest wave also included environmental demonstrations. On March 4, residents of Arak, central Iran, rallied for the 12th time against air pollution, condemning authorities for continuing to burn mazut at the Shazand power plant. The same day, female school transport drivers in Isfahan protested outside the governorate over poor working conditions.
In Tehran, landowners from the 33 cooperative estates in northern and eastern Tehran staged a demonstration demanding the right to build on their purchased lands. Many have been waiting 34 years for the government to fulfill its commitments.
Meanwhile, contract oil workers in Lamerd, Tabnak, Varavus, and Eisar have been on strike since March 4, protesting their deteriorating living conditions. Their rallying cry, “Unity, unity, against poverty and corruption!” reflects the growing frustration among workers in Iran’s strategic energy sector.
March 4—Tehran, Iran's capital
Landowners of 33 cooperative estates in northern & eastern Tehran rally to protest 34 years of government neglect, preventing them from building on their purchased lands.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/087WTTrrvg
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 5, 2025
Labor protests remain persistent. Oil sector retirees in Ahvaz staged a rally on March 4, demanding better pensions and healthcare and decrying their worsening living conditions.
Security forces responded with brutal repression. In Takab, northeastern Iran, police opened fire on striking municipal workers demanding unpaid wages, injuring at least four people. A worker’s son later released a voice message, saying, “My father was asking for his rights, and instead of a holiday bonus, they gave him four bullets.” The message was swiftly removed by authorities.
In Qazvin, defrauded homebuyers of Mehr Housing Project staged a protest on March 4, demanding their long-overdue housing rights. The protesters chanted:
“Workers, raise your voice, claim your rights!”
“Leave the chairs; think about us!”
“Our wages are in rials, yours are in dollars!”
March 4—Arak, central Iran
For the 12th time, residents of Arak rally against air pollution and the burning of mazut at Shazand power plant.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/CuC6t9lS3Xhttps://t.co/2IsP3Dc06O
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 5, 2025
The protests come amid rising economic despair. A labor official in Qazvin admitted that even a 200% wage increase would be insufficient to cover basic expenses, noting that the cost of living has soared to 24 million tomans per month, far beyond most workers’ wages.
With mounting public anger, deepening economic crises, and growing repression, Iran’s protest movement is rapidly expanding, showing no signs of abating as the country nears Nowruz.