Economic distress in Iran sparks labor unrest and nationwide demonstrations

The short version

• Retirees, healthcare staff, teachers, workers, and students have staged sit-ins and protests across Iran over deepening economic hardship.[France 24]
• President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that a US naval blockade led to a 35 percent loss in national imports and exports.[France 24]
• Estimates indicate at least 40 percent of the population now lives below the absolute poverty line, with annual inflation estimated at 80 percent.[France 24]
• University professors announced they will boycott classes during the upcoming academic year unless the government increases salaries.[France 24]

Key facts

• Retirees, nurses, workers, teachers, and students have organized demonstrations and sit-ins across Iran since the summer.[France 24]
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on August 29 that a US naval blockade caused a 35 percent loss in imports and exports.[France 24]
• Estimates suggest that Iran's annual inflation rate reached roughly 80 percent in August 2026, with food inflation around 130 percent.[France 24]
• The director of the retirement syndicate stated that the government had failed to distribute pension payments for five months as of September 7.[France 24]
• The university professors' syndicate announced on September 9 that members would refuse to attend classes in the new academic year without salary increases.[France 24]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• ‘I’m spending my savings just to survive’: Iran’s economic crisis fuels new protestsFrance 24