On Sunday, December 28, 2025, amid the rapid collapse of the national currency, rising inflation, unprecedented recession, and systemic discrimination and corruption, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and major commercial districts witnessed a protest uprising marked by shop closures and a strike by bazaar merchants.

Videos from the demonstrations show protesters chanting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “This year is the year of blood; Seyyed Ali (Khamenei) will be overthrown.”

The protests continued on Monday, December 29. Fearing an escalation into a broader popular uprising across Tehran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared a 100% state of alert. Reports indicate that more than 30,000 IRGC forces were deployed in the capital.

Protests and clashes spread to several cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, Kermanshah, Hamedan, Karaj, Malard, and Qeshm. Bazaar merchants also called for demonstrations on Tuesday, December 30.

According to the media outlet “Asr-e Emrouz,” in recent days—while the........

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