Protests continue across Iran as retirees, workers, students, and traders take to the streets against poverty, repression, and corruption. From marches by Social Security retirees in Shush to unpaid Justice Shares workers rallying in Tehran, and ongoing student protests in Shiraz, anger is spreading. Concerns are also mounting over the continued detention of teacher Abdullah Rezaei despite a bail order. Read the full report for details on the latest developments.
Protests by Social Security retirees, precarious workers, and university students continued across several cities, highlighting growing anger over poverty, repression, and state violence.
Retirees’ protests in Shush
On Sunday, 8 February 2026, Social Security retirees once again took to the streets in Shush. Retirees from Haft Tappeh, Karkheh, and Shush gathered outside the Social Security office and marched in protest against corruption, rent-seeking, and worsening living conditions.
The protest began with a one-minute silence in memory of those killed in recent protests.
Chants included:
- “Only in the streets can we win our rights”
- “Enough warmongering — our tables are empty”
- “A rich country — what has been done to it?”
- “Public hospitals are our undeniable right”
- “Neither parliament nor government cares about the people”
- “Costs are in dollars, our wages are in rials”
- “Livelihood and dignity are our undeniable rights”
- “A retiree’s wage lasts only one week”
Justice Shares cooperative workers rally in Tehran
The same day, employees of provincial Justice Shares cooperative offices from across the country gathered outside the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance in Tehran.
According to reports, these workers have been employed for nearly 19 years and have gone over three years without pay, while their employment status and insurance coverage remain unresolved.
Student protests continue
University protests against state violence and in support of detained students continued. On 7 February, students at Shiraz University held protests for the sixth consecutive day, chanting:
- “By the blood of our fallen comrades, we will stand to the end”
- “Students may die, but they will not accept humiliation”
Market traders protest in Tehran
On the same day, shopkeepers from Jannat Bazaar gathered outside the municipal Organisation for Urban Management to protest ongoing uncertainty following a fire that destroyed their businesses. Traders said their years of investment were lost in just 20 minutes, leaving them facing severe livelihood hardship.
Continued detention of teacher Abdullah Rezaei
The latest report concerns Abdollah Rezaei, a teacher and board member of the Harsin Teachers’ Association.
According to the Coordination Council of Teachers’ Trade Associations, Rezaei has been imprisoned for over a month. Although the prosecutor’s office issued a bail order following the end of his temporary detention, security forces have blocked his release.
Rezaei has reportedly been allowed only one brief phone call with his family since his arrest. There are serious concerns that he is under severe pressure and at risk of torture, fabricated charges, and forced confessions.
The Worker-communist Party of Iran reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdollah Rezaei, all detainees from the January protests, and all political prisoners.
Worker-communist Party of Iran
8 February 2026
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