Thousands of retired teachers gathered outside Iran’s Parliament on Wednesday, November 20, demanding the implementation of promised ranking reforms and the payment of overdue benefits. Protesters, many of whom had traveled from across the country, called for urgent action to address long-standing grievances.
The teachers chanted slogans such as “Ranking is our undeniable right” and held placards demanding the inclusion of 2021 retirees in the ranking system. They highlighted that approximately 47,000 retired teachers from that year have been excluded from benefits, leading to a reduction of 4 to 7 million tomans in their monthly pensions.
This protest follows several demonstrations held last week outside government buildings, including the Ministry of Education, the Planning and Budget Organization, and the Presidential Office. Despite these actions, teachers report that authorities have ignored their demands.
Kolbarnews has reported that since Saturday, November 16, dozens of kolbars (border porters) have been trapped by Iranian military forces along the Nowsud border. According to the report, the kolbars remain without access to food and water as of the latest updates.
A video released by Kolbarnews shows the dire situation, but further details have yet to emerge. The organization, which specializes in documenting the hardships faced by kolbars, highlighted the dangerous conditions these porters endure daily.
In the first six months of 2024, at least 36 kolbars were killed and 106 injured, according to Kolbarnews. Causes of death or injury include falls, shootings by border guards, landmine explosions, and physical assaults by military personnel. Of these incidents, shootings by border guards accounted for 87% of cases, leading to the death or injury of 124 kolbars.
The plight of kolbars continues to highlight the perilous and often deadly working conditions faced by this marginalized group in Iran.
Clashes Between Jaish al-Adl and IRGC Escalate in Sistan and Baluchestan
At least seven people were killed in ongoing clashes between the militant group Jaish al-Adl and IRGC on November 14. According to an IRGC statement, three Iranian soldiers and four Jaish al-Adl fighters were among the dead. The IRGC also claimed to have captured six members of the group.
The incident follows weeks of intensified attacks on Iranian military forces and bases in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan. The IRGC has described these groups as "terrorist organizations," while Jaish al-Adl, recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, has claimed responsibility for several attacks. This Islamist group states that its actions aim to combat "occupation and discrimination" against the Baloch people.
Over the past two months, the frequency of armed assaults in the province has surged. Jaish al-Adl has released multiple statements claiming responsibility for attacks, framing them as acts of resistance against what it calls systemic oppression by the Iranian state.
In response, the IRGC launched the "Operation Security Martyrs" campaign, targeting what it describes as "terrorist elements" in the region. On November 15, the commander of the IRGC Salman unit in Sistan and Baluchestan announced that 23 militants had been killed and 46 arrested since the operation began. Earlier, on November 4, the IRGC Ground Force Commander claimed that 80% of "eastern terrorists" had been detained.
The IRGC's operations escalated after Jaish al-Adl's attack in Taftan on November 1, prompting the corps to initiate a "special operation" aimed at "clearing" the region of militant groups.
As violence continues, Iranian officials have made pledges to address the underlying discontent in the region. At various conferences, government representatives have promised increased investment and the appointment of local officials to reduce tensions. President Masoud Pezeshkian has previo
Retirees Protest in Kermanshah with Strong Slogans for Peace and Welfare
Retirees Protest in Kermanshah with Strong Slogans for Peace and Welfare
In Kermanshah, retirees took to the streets to voice their discontent with economic and social conditions, chanting powerful slogans emphasizing peace and stability. Demonstrators called for the release of "Ahou Daryaei," a figure whose name has become symbolic in recent protests.
Protesters echoed their demands with chants such as: “No to war, no to bloodshed; we want lasting welfare” and “Inflation, high prices; no to war and destruction.”
These rallies reflect a growing sentiment among retirees and other sectors of society who are facing economic hardship and seeking better living conditions and peace amid regional instability. The protest highlighted concerns over rising inflation and dissatisfaction with policies that impact the well-being of everyday citizens.
The barberry harvest in South Khorasan
We marvel at the beauty of the barberry harvest in South Khorasan, captivated by the crimson fields that stretch across the landscape. It’s a reminder of the richness of this land, of its promise and potential. Yet, beneath this vivid scenery lies a harsh reality—one where support and infrastructure fall woefully short of what is needed to empower the local farmers and maximize the region’s potential.
Despite being a crop well-suited to the arid climate of South Khorasan and requiring minimal water, there has been no serious effort to establish the processing facilities needed to turn barberry into a competitive product for both domestic and international markets. Every year, the province produces an impressive 85,000 tons of fresh barberry and 22,000 tons of dried barberry, making up 98% of Iran’s total production. But the gap between this abundant harvest and its market value remains wide, filled with missed opportunities and the absence of meaningful support.
Imagine if farmers were provided with the right training and access to advanced technology for efficient harvesting and cleaning. Picture a system where barberry could be packaged and processed locally, enabling farmers to retain more value and sustain their livelihoods. This would be a significant step toward sustainable agriculture in a region where water is scarce and resources are limited.
Healthcare Workers in Urmia Protest Over Unfair Conditions
Nurses and healthcare staff at Khomeini Hospital in Urmia have staged a protest, voicing their frustration over inadequate pay and neglect from authorities. The demonstrators highlighted their dissatisfaction with the payment structures and the low wages they receive, demanding immediate attention to their economic and professional challenges.
Months of delayed payments for wage adjustments and unfulfilled promises from officials have exacerbated the discontent, culminating in anger when only minimal payments were made, further fueling their dissatisfaction.
Nurses across Iran are rising up, refusing to remain silent any longer. A fresh wave of strikes has ignited in cities from Yazd and Zanjan to Shush, Ardabil, Bushehr, and Birjand, driven by demands for unpaid wages and long-overdue benefits. These protests have only intensified with the recent arrest of a prominent representative of Zanjan’s nursing community, Moharram Ali Ramazani, during what should have been a day of celebration for National Nurses' Day.
In a powerful show of unity, nurses have committed to a three-day strike, set to run from November 7 through November 9. In South Khorasan, the frustration is palpable; nurses are demanding six months’ worth of delayed overtime payments. “They say they’ve cleared our back wages, but we’re still waiting on four months of salary adjustments, three years of meal and clothing allowances,” declared protesting nurses. In Ardabil, bonuses have vanished, with only the base salary remaining—the last meaningful payout was nearly a year ago in December 2023.
A Leader's Arrest Stirs Outrage
At Zanjan’s Nurses' Day ceremony, the focus shifted from celebration to protest as Moharram Ali Ramazani, head of the Zanjan Nurses’ Association, was arrested outside Rouzbeh Hall. His detention has stirred a wave of anger among nursing staff, intensifying their ongoing struggle. For months, Zanjani nurses have been gathering outside the Provincial Office and the University of Medical Sciences, demanding not only fair compensation but relief from the crushing demands of enforced overtime. This arrest was a spark—one that has fueled nurses across Iran to take a stand against the government’s continued negligence.
Hospitals at Risk as Strikes Intensify
In Yazd, the situation has become dire. Hospitals there face potential shutdowns, with only emergency surgeries and critical care operating. Non-urgent care has been suspended, leaving countless patients without nursing support. The government now faces mounting pre
A young female student, attacked by Basij forces and university security over the mandatory hijab, responded with an act of profound protest—she removed all her clothing after they assaulted her, tearing at her clothes in an attempt to force compliance.
The authorities arrested her with violent force, leaving her bloodied, and then dragged her into a vehicle. Her current whereabouts remain unknown.
This moment is a testament to the courage of those who continue to resist oppression, even in the face of brutal repression. When a person chooses to resist with nothing but their dignity, their very body becomes a declaration of defiance. But let us be clear: this is not just a single act of resistance; it is part of a larger struggle against a system that enforces control over women’s bodies, that views resistance as a crime, and that meets it with silence, with disappearance.
In a world that so often tries to silence women and strip them of agency, we must amplify their voices and demand accountability. We must continue to press for the rights and freedoms of all those standing against oppression, knowing that this struggle is far from isolated—it is a universal fight for justice, dignity, and human rights.
A young female student, attacked by Basij forces and university security over the mandatory hijab, responded with an act of profound protest—she removed all her clothing after they assaulted her, tearing at her clothes in an attempt to force compliance.
The authorities arrested her with violent force, leaving her bloodied, and then dragged her into a vehicle. Her current whereabouts remain unknown.
This moment is a testament to the courage of those who continue to resist oppression, even in the face of brutal repression. When a person chooses to resist with nothing but their dignity, their very body becomes a declaration of defiance. But let us be clear: this is not just a single act of resistance; it is part of a larger struggle against a system that enforces control over women’s bodies, that views resistance as a crime, and that meets it with silence, with disappearance.
In a world that so often tries to silence women and strip them of agency, we must amplify their voices and demand accountability. We must continue to press for the rights and freedoms of all those standing against oppression, knowing that this struggle is far from isolated—it is a universal fight for justice, dignity, and human rights.
The residents of Istanbul are demonstrating their solidarity by organizing and aid collecting for the earthquake-strickens. This is a heartwarming display of compassion, unity and solidarity.
ساکنان استانبول با سازماندهی و جمع آوری کمک برای زلزله زدگان همبستگی خود را نشان می دهند. نمایشی دلگرم کننده از شفقت، اتحاد و همبستگی بین مردم.
