On Friday, May 16, the streets of Zahedan echoed with bold defiance as Resistance Units carried out a courageous field campaign against the Iranian regime. In a city under intense surveillance, where the grip of security forces like the IRGC and Basij is ever-present, activists risked their lives to make their voices—and those of their people—heard.

Under the watchful eye of surveillance cameras and patrolling security units, the Resistance Units plastered placards and spray-painted slogans across public walls. Their message was clear: the people are fed up—with blackouts, with repression, and with executions.

Protesting Power Cuts and Regime Priorities

The campaign took aim at the regime’s glaring mismanagement and warped priorities. As Iran sinks deeper into economic hardship and daily life becomes increasingly unbearable, slogans expressed seething frustration with power outages and the squandering of national resources:

  • “Cut electricity to the Basij, IRGC, and security forces—give it to the people.”

  • “If Khamenei cared about people’s pain, he’d divert power from the IRGC and give it to citizens.”

  • “2 trillion spent on nukes, yet we have no power, no water, no air.”

  • “Here’s your negotiation—drink the poison yourselves.”

These powerful messages reflect growing public anger over the regime’s refusal to address the basic needs of its citizens while prioritizing military and nuclear ambitions.

Political Slogans Demand Accountability and Change

Many of the slogans went beyond economic grievances, striking directly at the political foundations of the regime:

  • “The judiciary of executioners has already been tried by the people’s court.”

  • “Hold a referendum: should the mullahs get lost—yes or no?”

  • “Khamenei’s only priority is preserving his regime; the answer is uprising and fire.”

  • “The cure for all this pain is revolution and fire upon the regime.”

These slogans reflect a population that sees no future under the current system—and is no longer afraid to call for its end.

Rejecting All Forms of Dictatorship

The Resistance Units also made it clear that their struggle is not just against theocracy but against all forms of authoritarianism, past and present:

  • “The people’s demand: overthrow the regime by the people.”

  • “Curse of the people and history on both the Shah and the Sheikh.”

  • “For 100 years, Iran’s real battle has been between freedom and tyranny.”

  • “Death to the oppressor, be it Shah or Supreme Leader – 1404.”

These messages underscore a deeper truth: the people’s desire is not to return to a past form of dictatorship but to forge a free and democratic future.

Zahedan: A Symbol of Enduring Resistance

Zahedan, long known for its resilience under some of the regime’s harshest crackdowns, once again stands at the forefront of the fight for justice. The May 16 campaign sends a powerful signal to Tehran and the world:

The street is alive with resistance. The regime may try to silence dissent, but the people’s cry for justice, dignity, and freedom will not be extinguished.

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