In a sweeping move that underscores the deep-seated dissatisfaction among the populace, retired government employees and telecom sector retirees held coordinated protests across several Iranian cities on Monday and Tuesday.These protests, reported in major cities like Mashhad, Tehran, Tabriz, and more than a dozen others, reflect the growing distress and anger against what they term as the “regime’s destructive policies.”

These pensioners, who have served the nation for decades, are witnessing their lives crumble into poverty. Their primary contention is the government’s inaction in recalibrating pensions in light of rampant inflation and devaluation of the rial, Iran’s currency. As basic commodities skyrocket in price, their pension remains stagnant, further deepening their economic woes.

In Mashhad, retirees from the telecom sector held a prominent demonstration outside the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) local office, demanding rightful increase in pensions. Their cries, “We will not stop until we get our rights!” resonated with the sentiments of many across the country.

Their placards pointedly accused all three branches of government for their silence and inaction, signaling a wider mistrust and discontent with the establishment.

Despite legislation passed in 2010, which mandates raising pensions in accordance with the earnings and living costs, retirees allege that the regime has turned a blind eye to their plight for over 13 years. Their chants in cities like Kermanshah and Tabriz further underline their demands for the law’s implementation.

Furthermore, the telecom sector, a significant revenue generator, remains a focal point of dissent. Accusations fly thick and fast about the wealth not percolating down to the retirees. Many believe the regime’s continued profit from this sector isn’t benefiting those who helped build it. Regime authorities like Majid Soltani, the CEO of the telecom company, and Mahmood Ebrahimzadeh, the chairman of the board, are squarely in the crosshairs for allegedly prioritizing regime benefits over employee rights.

On Tuesday, the dissatisfaction spread to government retirees in multiple cities. Like their counterparts in the telecom sector, they too voiced their disenchantment with the administration’s policies, and their determination to fight for their rights echoed in cities like Ardebil and Karaj.

There were also indications of broader societal unrest. In Tehran and Kermanshah, pensioners extended their support to detained activists, demanding their release. Meanwhile, defrauded customers of state-backed car manufacturer, Arvan Khodro, took to the streets in Tehran, shedding light on wider issues of corruption and mistrust.

This two-day wave of protests not only underscores the retirees’ immediate economic grievances but also reveals a deeper, more systemic discontent with the governance structures in place. Whether these demonstrations catalyze genuine reform remains to be seen.

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MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu

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