After widespread protests intensified in the wake of a building collapse in southwestern Iran that led to at least 34 deaths, Iranian authorities are vowing to take measures.

The collapse of the building and the resulting deaths sparked anger at government mismanagement and corruption. After the collapse, many warnings by experts and officials came to light about the construction of the tower and how safety protocols were ignored. Iranian parliamentarian Jalil Rashid Koocheh accused the developers of cutting corners and risking the lives of Iranians “for a few extra tomans.”  

Anti-government chants against the Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were heard at many of the protests. One of the largest protests took place on May 30, a week after the building had collapsed. It is not clear if protests are building or if security services have been able to disperse them for good. Videos shared online showed security officers firing into the crowds. While the protests have been located in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, the building collapse and general anger have attracted national attention and sympathy. 

Rescue crews are still working on the site of the collapsed building. According to Sadegh Khalilian, there are a total of 38 missing individuals, meaning that as of today there are likely four individuals still buried underneath the rubble.