Iran orders shutdown in most provinces as protests over economy spread

Businesses, universities and government offices were ordered closed Wednesday across 21 of Iran’s 31 provinces, including Tehran, as authorities coped with mounting street protests driven by economic grievances. The one-day shutdown coincided with President Masoud Pezeshkian appointing former economy minister Abdolnaser Hemmati as central bank chief; state media quoted the president saying the role would be "extremely difficult and complex" and subject the new bank head to intense pressure and criticism.

Inflation has spiked, merchants have taken to the streets and the previous central bank head, Mohammad Reza Farzin, resigned on Monday. Footage verified by The New York Times showed demonstrators forcing open gates at a government complex in Fasa; local officials told Iranian outlets that glass and a guard post door were damaged, four protesters were arrested and three law enforcement personnel were injured, while a special governor denied that a protester had been shot.

The protests have drawn participants from across sectors and included chants against the regime, with a BBC Persian video showing protesters shouting "Death to the dictator" in Hamedan, according to the Times.

Key Topics

World, Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, Abdolnaser Hemmati, Tehran, Fasa