Protests and strikes spread across Iran as judiciary threatens crackdown

On Jan. 7, 2026, strikes and protests spread to several major Iranian cities, and the head of the judiciary warned that crackdowns would be intensified and protesters prosecuted. Merchants and business owners closed bazaars in Tabriz, Isfahan, Mashhad and Kerman to protest the dire economy and plunging currency, and shops in Tehran’s traditional bazaar remained shut for an 11th day.

Two shop owners who are trade-union members said security forces used tear gas inside the bazaar, beat some shopkeepers and that government mediation with trade representatives had so far failed. Tehran municipal officials announced the bazaar metro stop would be shut indefinitely after security forces reportedly threw tear gas into the station, scattering commuters, the shopkeepers said.

Videos on BBC Persian, social media and from protesters showed anti-riot police on motorcycles chasing and beating crowds, and some footage showed shots fired or gunfire audible. Protesters chanted slogans including “Death to the dictator,” “Freedom,” and in many places targeted the supreme leader with chants such as “Khamenei is a murderer, his rule is void.” The Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 36 people had been killed, including four minors, and that two security agents and more than 2,000 people had been arrested.

A wildlife photographer posted a video showing pellet-gun wounds and saying he had been attacked.

Key Topics

World, Iran, Tehran Bazaar, Tabriz, Isfahan, Mashhad