On November 10, a wave of protests erupted across Iran, with citizens from various walks of life voicing their grievances over economic hardship, unpaid wages, and government negligence.

Demonstrations broke out in multiple cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Shush, Ahvaz, Haft Tappeh, Qazvin, and Mirjaveh, reflecting a growing discontent with the government’s economic and social policies.In Tehran, newly retired teachers gathered in front of the Education Ministry, demanding overdue wages and fair pensions.

Many have waited over two years for retirement bonuses, forcing them to rally with slogans like “Incompetent minister, resign!” and “A single embezzlement could solve our problems.” Steel industry retirees also protested in Tehran and Isfahan, citing meager pensions and limited access to essential services. Their chants, including “Rights are only achieved in the streets,” underscore years of frustration with the state’s neglect of pensioners’ needs.

Adding to the economic unrest, defrauded investors from Rigan Khodro and Shahr Khodro, two government-backed automakers, gathered outside the judicial complex in Tehran. Despite a court ruling in their favor two years ago, they have yet to receive compensation, further fueling their distrust in the government’s ability to uphold judicial decisions.

Social Security retirees in Shush, as well as in Ahvaz and Haft Tappeh, also voiced anger over inadequate pensions amid rising living costs. These groups highlight the widespread dissatisfaction among retirees struggling with inflation and a weakened social security system that leaves many unable to afford basic necessities.

Healthcare workers joined the fray, with lab and radiology staff from Velayat Hospital in Qazvin rallying against low wages and poor working conditions. In Shout, in northwestern Iran, nurses protested recent derogatory comments by Mohammad Reza Jabbari, a local Friday prayer leader, who accused female healthcare workers of “moral misconduct.” The incident has fueled further tension between religious leaders and healthcare staff, who demand respect and fair treatment.

In Mirjaveh, protests took on a political tone as locals expelled the state-appointed Friday prayer leader following the detention of respected cleric Mawlavi Abdulqahar Mirbaluchzehi. This act of defiance marks a rare and bold rejection of the state’s religious authority, underscoring the depth of local resentment toward the regime’s interference in community affairs.

With mounting economic hardships and political disillusionment, these protests represent a broader call for reform in Iran. As citizens push back against a regime perceived to prioritize military spending over domestic welfare, the government faces an intensifying demand for both economic relief and political accountability.