September 20 — Iran: Workers, job-seeking youth, and victims of financial schemes held several protest gatherings in different parts of Iran, while authorities also intervened in events involving women appearing without compulsory hijab.
Dismissed Steelworkers Protest in Tehran
On September 20, dismissed workers of the Ahvaz National Industrial Steel Group gathered in front of Iran’s Parliament in Tehran, demanding reinstatement. Reports say that in the final days of last Esfand (February 2026), a number of workers were dismissed following cases allegedly brought against them by the company’s security department and on the orders of CEO Ali Mohammadi, while another group was reportedly transferred to Ghadir Stadium in Ahvaz.
Job-Seeking Youth Confronted in Khuzestan
On September 19, job-seeking youth from the villages of Moran and Omishieh Bozorg in Khuzestan gathered again outside the Dabal Khazai Sugarcane Company. The protest reportedly faced intervention by security forces, including shots fired into the air. The protesters are demanding an end to coercive measures and firing at job seekers, employment at the company, and an end to discrimination in hiring.
Around 700 Mine Workers Face Employment Uncertainty
On September 20, workers of Pey and Pol Jonoub Company, employed in iron-ore mines, gathered outside the Sirjan Governor’s Office over uncertainty surrounding their employment and contracts. Workers say that since the beginning of Tir, around 700 employees have faced job insecurity after the current contractor indicated it would not continue operations, leaving workers without work or income. The development comes one day after the CEO of state-owned IMIDRO said there had been no reports of layoffs in the mining sector.
Victims of Fajr Bahman and Excoino Demand Their Money Back
Victims of the Fajr Bahman Khorasan share scheme gathered outside the Mashhad courthouse on September 20, protesting the failure to deliver promised housing units and land. They are demanding the return of their principal investments, profits and damages, clarification of abandoned housing and construction projects, financial transparency, and legal action against those responsible.
On the same day, victims of the Excoino online cryptocurrency exchange gathered in Tehran Province, demanding information about their frozen assets, the rapid return of their principal investments and blocked cryptocurrencies, regulatory intervention, and an end to what they describe as prolonged uncertainty and unfulfilled promises.
Authorities Intervene Over Unveiled Women at Nowshahr Event
Reports from Araz Hotel in Nowshahr indicate that the participation of women without compulsory hijab in a recreational-sports event prompted intervention by local security and judicial authorities. The commander of the Nowshahr Revolutionary Guard district said the matter was under investigation, while the county prosecutor said action would be taken against “illegal activities” at the event.
The incident follows reports of the participation of unveiled women in a marathon at Tehran’s Velayat Park and other mixed recreational activities. The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has reportedly filed charges against organizers and those involved in the Tehran Marathon.