January 7th, 2026 - Protests Intensify Across Iran as Crackdowns Escalate

On Wednesday, protests and strikes erupted across several major cities in Iran, as merchants and business owners in the traditional bazaars of Tabriz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Kerman closed their shops to protest the country's economic crisis and the rapidly depreciating currency. These bazaars, crucial to both the economy and the identity of Iran, serve as vital trading hubs, and their closure was seen as a strong statement. In Tehran, the protests that began in the bazaar remained ongoing for the 11th day, with reports of security forces using tear gas and beating protesters.

The situation in Tehran's bazaar grew tense, with protesters continuing to voice their demands for change despite increasing crackdowns by security forces. Two shopkeepers, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, explained in phone interviews that the protests had been sparked by the government's inability to address economic challenges, and despite the risk of financial losses, many shop owners were united in their resistance. Tehran municipal officials also announced the indefinite closure of the metro stop closest to the bazaar, further escalating the tensions.

In response to the growing unrest, security forces escalated their tactics. Anti-riot police patrolled Tehran and other cities on motorcycles, chasing and beating demonstrators. Some videos showed security forces firing at crowds, while others captured sounds of gunshots. In Shiraz, military roadblocks were set up, and military vehicles patrolled the area to contain the protests. Despite these efforts, the protests have continued to spread, with citizens voicing their dissatisfaction with the government.

President Masoud Pezeshkian's government took a softer approach, with a spokesperson expressing sorrow for the lives lost during the protests and stating that "all protesters are our children." However, the head of Iran's judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, and the chief of security forces, Gen. Ahmad Reza Radan, issued statements vowing that the government would take harsh measures against the protesters. General Radan warned that protesters would be identified and prosecuted.

Protests have also become more vocal, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as "Death to the dictator," "Freedom, freedom, freedom," and "Khamenei is a murderer, his rule is void." These protests, which have spread to several provinces, are being closely monitored by organizations like the Human Rights Activists News Agency, which reported that at least 36 people had been killed and over 2,000 arrested, including minors and security personnel. Videos have emerged showing graphic accounts of police brutality, including the case of wildlife photographer Sadegh Parvizzadeh, who posted a video showing his bloodied face after being shot by security forces.

The Iranian government has attempted to regain control through a series of economic measures, including ending the official U.S. dollar exchange rate for manufacturers and importers. However, this move only worsened the situation, leading to skyrocketing prices for basic goods, with reports of food prices tripling in just 48 hours. Many Iranians are now experiencing severe inflation and shortages of essential items. Simin, a 34-year-old business owner from Tehran, shared that she was forced to stock up on basic goods as prices surged uncontrollably, reflecting the growing sense of frustration among ordinary citizens.

The situation has highlighted the Iranian government's deepening crisis. While some officials continue to downplay the severity of the protests, others, including opposition groups, are calling for action to address the root causes of the discontent, including economic mismanagement, corruption, and the lack of political freedom. As protests continue across the country, it remains unclear whether the government will be able to contain the unrest or if more drastic measures will be taken.

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