The demonstrations, involving merchants, retirees, and workers, underscored growing discontent with the Iranian regime’s handling of economic crises. Tehran’s Grand Bazaar became a central hub of unrest, with merchants from various sectors, including textiles and footwear, closing their shops to join widespread strikes. Protesters chanted slogans like “Don’t be afraid, close your shops!” and “Bazaar with integrity, show your support!” as calls for unity echoed throughout the historic market.
Merchants highlighted the crippling impact of skyrocketing raw material costs, dwindling liquidity, and an inability to sustain production. “Rising exchange rates have made raw materials unaffordable, forcing workshops to shut down,” said a textile merchant. The economic strain was further exacerbated as the U.S. dollar surged past 81,000 tomans, intensifying inflationary pressures.
December 29—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Retirees of the steel and mines industry hold protest rally, demanding higher pensions and access to basic services.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/A8txf5Uqbo— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 29, 2024
Beyond Tehran, protests spread to cities such as Ahvaz, Shush, Isfahan, and Qaemshahr, where retirees demanded pensions aligned with soaring living costs. Chants of “Enough with the warmongering; our tables are empty!” and “Injustice is unbearable!” encapsulated the broader dissatisfaction.
In Ilam, university employees protested poor working conditions and delayed salaries. Similarly, workers at the Frico Cooking Oil Company in Sirjan rallied over six months of unpaid wages and insurance. Retirees from the steel and mines sectors in Isfahan and Mazandaran also joined the demonstrations, demanding improved pensions and essential services.
December 29—Tehran, Iran
Textile merchants close shop and join the strikes in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against inflation and high prices.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/hwvZkwI5t5— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 29, 2024
Economic Collapse Deepens Crisis
The protests occurred amidst Iran’s worsening economic conditions, marked by record inflation and a collapsing currency. The price of gold coins, a key economic indicator, surged dramatically, with Emami coins exceeding 57 million tomans.Economic analysts warned that government mismanagement could lead to hyperinflation, further diminishing purchasing power. “The rising dollar will soon impact other essential markets, shrinking people’s purchasing power even more,” cautioned an expert.
December 29—Tehran, Iran
Merchants continue their strikes despite repressive measures by the regime's security forces. The Grand Bazaar is in a state of shutdown. #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/5ztpRqCrVs— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 29, 2024
Regime’s Response and Mounting Pressure
Security forces were deployed to monitor protests, but demonstrators remained resolute. The Coordination Council of Retirees accused the regime of prioritizing military and ideological projects over citizens’ welfare, amplifying public outrage. The exodus of over 11,500 healthcare workers in two years further exemplifies systemic failures.
As unrest grows, unity among Iranians across socioeconomic lines signifies mounting pressure on the regime. Analysts suggest that the government’s inability to address these grievances could spark broader unrest, posing a significant challenge to its authority. The protests serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability in Iran.
Iran’s youth attack regime centers to mark anniversary of December 2017 uprising https://t.co/CvYPUHUTjr
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 29, 2024
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