HRANA – On the second day of protests and strikes by bazaar merchants and shopkeepers in Iran, the scope of these gatherings extended beyond Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and spread to several other cities. These protests, formed in response to severe currency market fluctuations, devaluation of national currency, and economic instability, were met in some areas with the presence of law enforcement, security forces and the use of tear gas.
Beginning two days ago, protest gatherings initially started in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Subsequently, bazaar merchants and shopkeepers in various parts of the capital joined the protests by closing their shops and halting business activities. Reports received indicate that yesterday, on the second day, the geographic scope of these protests has expanded and taken on a more public and visible form.
Background of the Protests
The recent protests have emerged amid multiple simultaneous crises facing Iran’s economy, including devaluation of national currency, rising inflation, declining purchasing power of citizens, and the continuation of international sanctions. Sharp fluctuations in the currency market in recent days have seriously disrupted pricing, supply of goods, and the ability of many trades to continue operating.
According to reports from official news agencies, a number of exchange offices have either refrained from conducting currency transactions by posting notices or have completely suspended their activities. This situation has led to market stagnation, widespread shop closures, and the formation of protest gatherings in commercial centers.
Geography of the Protests
Based on collected information, protests and strikes by bazaar merchants on the second day were reported in numerous locations across Tehran. These areas include Jomhouri, Saadi, Molavi, Amir Kabir, Taleghani, Nejatollahi, Enghelab, Kargar, and Lalehzar streets. Reports have also been received of gatherings at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, Chaharsouq, the Gold Bazaar, Alaeddin Shopping Center, Charsu Shopping Complex, Bagh-e Sepahsalar, Shoush Bazaar, Amin Hozour Bazaar, and Hassan Abad Square.
Some reports indicate that the protests have expanded to other cities, including Malard in Tehran Province, Hamedan in Hamedan Province, and Qeshm Island in Hormozgan Province. In these areas, shopkeepers expressed their protest to the economic situation by closing their shops and calling on others to join the strike.
Additionally, reports have been published about a protest gathering by students residing in the University of Tehran dormitory complex, where they chanted slogans to voice their demands.
Methods of Protest and Chants
Bazaar merchants and protesting citizens expressed their opposition by closing shop shutters, gathering in main thoroughfares, and marching in some areas. The slogans chanted during these gatherings, beyond trade-related demands, in some cases took on a political character.
According to verified videos, chants heard in various locations included: “High prices and inflation are a plague on people’s lives,” “The bazaar merchant may die but will not accept humiliation,” “Close them, close them,” “Death to the dictator,” and “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran.”
Confrontation by Law Enforcement–Security Forces and Details of Violence
Field reports indicate that in several areas of Tehran, special units and riot police intervened to disperse protesters. According to published images and videos, tear gas was used to disperse gatherings on Jomhouri Street, around Alaeddin Shopping Center, Bagh-e Sepahsalar, Kargar Street, and other locations.
Videos have also circulated showing the beating of a protester by security forces; the individual is seen sitting in the middle of the street, without attempting to flee, facing motorcycle-mounted forces.
A heavy presence of riot police and their deployment along main routes, including Hafez Bridge and around City Theater, has also been reported.
Reactions of Officials and State-Affiliated Media
In response to these protests, officials and media outlets close to security institutions have warned about the “politicization” of the gatherings. Fars and Tasnim news agencies, in published reports, have claimed the presence of “small organized cells” among the protesters and described the trade-related protests as vulnerable to “security exploitation.”
The Interior Ministry’s deputy for security affairs described the currency market fluctuations as the result of a “psychological atmosphere” and urged citizens not to be influenced by “enemy instigations.” The head of the judiciary also warned that actions which, according to him, cause “disruption of the economic system” could face severe judicial prosecution.
Conclusion
The recent economic protests, which began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, on their second day were accompanied by geographic expansion, increased participation by various trades, and an intensified presence of security forces. The combination of economic demands with political slogans, the harsh reactions of officials, and the use of suppressive measures indicate the high sensitivity of the authorities toward these developments.
HRANA continues to collect, verify, and complete information related to these protests and will publish follow-up reports should the gatherings continue.
