Iran: Truck drivers’ strike launched July 23 /update 1

Event

Drivers of trucks and other heavy vehicles launched a strike in several Iranian provinces on Monday, July 23, denouncing high government tolls and fees, as well as high costs of living and increasing inflation rates. The strike is reportedly active in the provinces of Tehran, East Azerbaijan, Kordestan, Isfahan, Fars, Semnan, Qazvin, Kerman, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Markazi, Razavi Khorasan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Khuzestan, and Hormozgan.

Resultant shortages of goods and commercial and transportation disruptions are possible in areas affected by the strikes in the coming days. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near associated protests; clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Iran has witnessed a multitude of protests over various grievances in cities across the country since December 2017. In recent weeks, protests and strikes have been held in cities throughout Iran over water issues, insufficient wages, political prisoners, border closures, political administration issues, poor university administration, and mismanagement of financial institutions.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, budget additional time to travel through affected areas, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.