International Pressure
The U.S. wants to reduce Iran’s oil revenue to zero, the U.S. State Department director of policy planning said Monday.
“We are working to minimize disruptions to the global market but we are confident there is sufficient global spare oil production capacity,” Brian Hook told reporters.
“We have been clear with countries and companies around the world that we are bringing severe economic pressure on Iran until the regime changes its destabilizing policies,” he added.
Internal Pressure
Last week there was social unrest across Iran, with protests by truck drivers and merchants on strike.
Today, following calls for a strike on October 14 that was widely circulated on social media, teachers joined the nationwide strike. They came out in more than 21 provinces, and 100 Education centers in 60 major cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Esfahan, Yazd, Kermanshah, Shiraz, Mashhad, Ilam, Gonabad, Tabriz, … according to the report by PMOI/MEK
A nationwide strike on Sunday, protesting poor living conditions, problems with their jobs and heavy security measures imposed in their schools were launched by teachers. Students in various cities have announced their support for their teachers on this initiative.
Since anti-government demonstrations erupted throughout Iran in December, strikes have become a popular way for citizens of different walks of life and social classes to protest against the corruption and inefficiency of the Iranian regime.
Teachers protested, demanding “Detained Teachers Must be Freed,” “NO to Prison for teachers” “Teachers’ future must be secured,” “proper jobs and security,” “Teachers must rise to end the discrimination and a low monthly salary.” and to “have their own independent Syndicates and Associations.”
Protestors Ignore Secret Service
The special plain clothed agents of the Iran secret service had surrounded the protesting teachers in some cities. But the protestors ignored the pressure and continued with their protest.
In social media, the teachers covered extended activities with hashtags #Iranstrikes #TeachersStrike # تحصن_سراسری_معلمان #اعتصاب_سراسری which has been supported widely.
In another event on Oct 14, Hassan Rouhani went to Tehran University to make a speech. Outside the auditorium, students expressed their anger by chanting against him. They also protested inflation and high prices. Only student Basij forces were allowed inside the auditorium.
