Iran Announces 60 Per Cent Minimum Wage Increase Amid War

Iran’s Labour Ministry has announced a wage increase of more than 60 per cent for its citizens. This announcement was made whilst the country faces conflict against the United States and Israel.

Several months prior, Iranian citizens conducted anti-government demonstrations, triggered by public dissatisfaction with poor economic conditions.

Iran has adjusted its minimum wage to account for skyrocketing inflation resulting from international sanctions and war. Additionally, the Iranian government also announced an increase in child allowances.

The minimum wage increase was announced by Iran’s Labour Minister on Sunday, 15 March (local time), according to reports.

The Labour Minister stated that “with government approval”, the monthly minimum wage would increase from 103 million Iranian Rials (approximately 1.3 million Rupiah) to 166 million Iranian Rials (approximately 2.1 million Rupiah) in the coming Persian calendar year.

Protests against Iran’s economic conditions began in December of the previous year. These demonstrations were initially triggered by high living costs and depreciation of the national currency.

However, the protests expanded and rapidly developed into anti-government demonstrations. Demonstrators called for an end to the clerical leadership in Iran, which has held power since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

As a result of these large-scale demonstrations, Iranian authorities launched a crackdown. Thousands are believed to have died in the situation.

This situation prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten military intervention against Iran. The United States, along with Israel, launched large-scale military attacks against Iran in late February.