Clashes erupted in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar as Iran’s nationwide protests entered their ninth day, with eyewitness footage showing violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces in one of the country’s most symbolic and economically vital districts.

Video circulating from the scene shows protesters throwing gas canisters and other objects while security forces advanced through narrow bazaar corridors in an effort to regain control. Thick smoke filled parts of the historic marketplace as tensions escalated, forcing many shops to close amid the unrest.

The Grand Bazaar has long held political and cultural significance in Iran, traditionally serving as a center of commerce and, at times, political mobilization. The outbreak of violence there marks a notable escalation in the protest movement, signaling growing defiance despite repeated warnings from authorities.

Iran’s police chief responded sharply to the clashes, declaring that security forces would “deal with the last of these rioters” on Tuesday. The statement suggests a potential intensification of enforcement efforts as the government seeks to suppress continued demonstrations.

The unrest comes amid a broader wave of protests driven by economic pressure, political grievances, and public frustration, with authorities facing increasing difficulty in containing unrest across major urban centers.