Shiraz Protests Over Water, Power Outages; Strong Role of Women; Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province in southern Iran, witnessed major protests over the past two days against widespread water and power outages with a strong presence of women.
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, large crowds gathered in front of the Fars Provincial Governor’s Office, followed by another mass demonstration on Friday, August 22, at the same location and at Falakeh Gaz Square.
Thursday’s rally was marked by the remarkable presence of young women, who played a decisive role in sustaining the protest. They stood at the forefront, leading chants and directing the course of the demonstration—once again highlighting the central role of women in Iran’s protest movements.
Protesters chanted slogans including, “Iranians will die before accepting humiliation” and “Freedom, Freedom, Freedom,” voicing anger at government mismanagement and the mounting hardships imposed on ordinary citizens.
They also sang the patriotic anthem Ey Iran, in opposition to the official anthem, indicating their determination to give their lives for their nation.
On Friday, security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds, arresting several demonstrators and confiscating mobile phones from those who attempted to record the protests.
Similar protests have erupted in recent months in cities like Sabzevar and Khomam, signaling a rapidly expanding wave of public anger over economic crises and the government’s failure to address recurring water and power cuts.
