Iranian authorities have deployed heavy security forces across Shiraz as nationwide protests enter their eleventh day, intensifying the regime’s crackdown on public dissent. Video footage from the city shows large numbers of security personnel in riot gear occupying major streets, firing tear gas, and advancing behind armored vehicles as barricades burn and crowds scatter.

Residents report an escalating show of force ordered by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, aimed at suppressing demonstrations that have continued to grow despite weeks of arrests and lethal force. Shiraz, one of Iran’s most historically and culturally significant cities, has emerged as a focal point of resistance, with confrontations unfolding across multiple neighborhoods.

Visible throughout the city is the slogan “Javid Shah,” meaning “Long Live the King,” painted on walls and public spaces. The phrase references Iran’s pre-1979 monarchy and has become a powerful symbol of rejection of the Islamic Republic and Khamenei’s authority. Its appearance signals a deepening shift from reformist protest to outright opposition to the current political system.

Demonstrators have openly condemned the presence of security forces, accusing the regime of treating its own citizens as enemies. Calls to “leave Shiraz alone” echo the sentiment that the city, often described as Iran’s historic capital of culture and identity, should not be subjected to military-style repression.

The unrest is part of a broader wave of protests that began in late December 2025, driven by economic collapse, inflation, corruption, and political repression. Strikes have paralyzed markets and commercial centers in cities including Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan, amplifying pressure on the government. Human rights groups report more than 30 civilian deaths nationwide, with additional injuries and mass detentions.

As night falls, security deployments remain in place and tensions continue to rise. The persistence of protests and the spread of anti-regime symbolism suggest that the unrest in Shiraz is not isolated, but part of a growing national challenge to the Islamic Republic’s authority.