During a revolution, each person has their own share of participating in the social movement. When more than 75% percent of Iran’s economy is dependent on the government and IRGC, a collective effort is required by consumers to put pressure on companies that have close ties to the government and feeding the oppressive regime.
From boycotting sugar produced by slaves in Britain in the 18th century to boycotting Starbucks in the recent years for the exploitation of coffee farmers in South America to General Motors, Walmart and Amazon have also been subject to boycotts by people over the years due to different social reasons. The situation in Iran is much more severe and if the population acts, it can cause severe damage to the regime’s economy.
- Most of Iran’s banks are State owned and have direct links with the government. They provide funding to IRGC which is used for their ideological expansion in the middle east as well as suppressing protestors in Iran. Withdrawing funds from these banks could potentially harm IRGC’s funding sources over time.
- Not buying consumer products from brands such as Mihan Dairy could also be helpful. Such companies have sided with the government and IRGC whenever there has been protests by allowing the suppressors to use their logistics.
- The Arman South Protein company with the commercial name of “Tohfe” is another company that has dedicated some of their production lines to produce tuna for IRGC troops.
- The main automaker companies in Iran, Saipa and Iran Khodro are also tied to IRGC, with IRGC being one of their biggest shareholders.
- There are many other companies in different industries that are either owned by IRGC or managed by people who are tied to IRGC. Telecommunication Company of Iran, Mobin Trust Consortium, Shahid Ghazi Pharmaceutical Co. and Iran Tractor Manufacturing Company are some examples.
- Another example would be Tak Makaron. They hoarded over 670 tons of pasta so they can make more profits after flour prices had increased.
- Not buying scarves or any other hijab related clothing could have a huge impact on the mandatory hijab industry. This also contributes to the movement against mandatory hijab which has been in place for more than 40 years.
- Boycott state owned airlines for travel can cause damage to the fragile airline industry in Iran. Pars Airlines has links with the government. Iranian airlines such as Mahan Air, Iran Air, and Qeshm Air also flew UAVs to Russia. Travel should ideally be through foreign airlines.