On August 21, 2025, residents of Shiraz took to the streets to protest frequent and prolonged electricity blackouts, voicing their anger at the clerical regime. Protesters chanted anti-regime slogans such as “Iranians may die, but will never accept humiliation,” “Iran, speak out and demand your rights,” “Freedom, Freedom, Freedom,” and “Not Gaza, nor Lebanon—my life only for Iran.” Many joined together in singing Iran’s national anthem, “Ey Iran.”
Similar demonstrations also took place in Kazerun, where locals protested repeated power outages. Videos shared on social media showed crowds voicing their demands despite heavy security presence.
August 21—Kazerun, southern Iran
Locals protest prolonged electricity and water outages and the regime’s lack of action.
“Water and electricity are our inalienable right!” protesters chant.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/bkCtMhv3yB— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 22, 2025
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), praised the demonstrators’ courage:
“Salute to the brave people of Shiraz who took to the streets, chanting ‘Freedom, Freedom, Freedom’ in protest against unbearable power outages. They shouted: ‘Iranians may die, but will never accept humiliation!’ and ‘Rise up, shout for your rights!’ … Salute also to the heroic people of Kazerun.”
Salute to the brave people of Shiraz who took to the streets, chanting “Freedom, Freedom, Freedom” in protest against unbearable power outages. They shouted: “Iranians may die, but will never accept humiliation!” and “Rise up, shout for your rights!”before joining together in… pic.twitter.com/8Ot0AvleHp
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) August 22, 2025
Mrs. Rajavi emphasized that Iran’s crises—blackouts, water shortages, unemployment, and rising prices—stem from the regime’s corruption and repression. She urged youth and citizens across Iran to follow the example of Shiraz and Kazerun, stating:
“As long as this criminal and corrupt regime remains in power, there will be no reliable water, no electricity, and no basic necessities. Freedom is the key to solving all of Iran’s problems. The Iranian people will not rest until they achieve liberty.”
These protests highlight growing public anger across Iran over worsening living conditions and the lack of basic infrastructure, fueling calls for the overthrow of the mullahs’ regime.