06.01.2026 13:50
As protests continue on the 9th day in Iran, a significant development occurred today during demonstrations in which dozens of people have lost their lives. Merchants in Tehran's Grand Bazaar closed their shops on Tuesday as part of a nationwide strike and shouted slogans for "freedom." While security forces intervened with tear gas, tensions were seen to rise significantly in some areas.
A report published on the website of HRANA, based in the USA, provided information about the protests that have been ongoing in the country for 9 days. According to this report, during this period, protests occurred in 27 out of the 31 provinces in the country, resulting in the deaths of 27 protesters and 2 security personnel.
A total of 257 protests took place across the country, with 64 people injured and 1203 individuals detained. It was noted that the injuries were largely caused by rubber and plastic bullets. No official statement has been made by Iranian authorities regarding those who died or were injured in the protests.
MERCHANTS OF THE GRAND BAZAAR ALSO JOINED THE PROTESTS
While protests continue in Iran, another significant development occurred in the region today. Merchants in the Tehran Grand Bazaar closed their shops on Tuesday as part of a nationwide strike and chanted slogans for "freedom."
Following this development, security forces were deployed against the striking merchants in the Tehran Grand Bazaar. Tensions rose within minutes as security forces intervened in the merchants' strike with tear gas.
MINISTRY OF INTERIOR: THIS IS NOT A PROTEST, IT'S A REBELLION
On the other hand, the Iranian Ministry of Interior described the recent protests as a "rebellion" in a report submitted to parliament, stating that approximately 85% of the calls to participate in the protests were made through foreign platforms, according to the lawmakers informed about the report.
Parliament's national security and foreign policy commission spokesperson Ibrahim Rezaei stated that Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian told lawmakers that "the demonstrators have also destroyed private and public vehicles in addition to government buildings" and that "most of the injured are police, security forces, and Basij members," adding that the forces have shown "restraint." Rezaei also mentioned that the deputy minister told the commission that "security has been ensured" and that the trend in the incidents has "decreased," while some lawmakers called on the authorities to "talk to the people" and delve into the roots of the protests.
PROTESTS IN IRAN
The protests that began on December 28, 2025, in the Tehran Grand Bazaar, initiated by merchants due to the significant devaluation of the local currency against foreign exchange rates and economic issues, spread to many cities across the country. The Fars News Agency reported that 250 police officers and 45 militia forces (Basij) were injured during the protests.
US President Donald Trump, in a social media post regarding the protests in Iran on January 2, stated, "If Iran kills and injures peaceful protesters as it always does, the US will come to their aid." Trump reiterated a similar statement on January 4, saying, "If they kill the protesters, Iran will face a severe blow from the US. We are watching and closely following the developments in Iran."