Protesters in the southwestern Iranian city of Abadan stormed the Afagh Khorasan grocery store, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and ransacked its contents during ongoing nationwide demonstrations. Video footage from the scene shows crowds scattering green-branded bags of rice and other food supplies onto the streets, highlighting a symbolic act of defiance rather than ordinary theft.

The incident occurred amid the broader wave of unrest that began in late December 2025, driven by inflation, price hikes, and widespread economic grievances. Since then, protests have escalated across multiple provinces, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Abadan, with merchant strikes, clashes with security forces, and targeted actions against regime-linked properties becoming increasingly common.

Reports indicate that at least 35 civilians have been killed nationwide during confrontations with security forces, and multiple government buildings have been raided by demonstrators. In Abadan, the storming of an IRGC-linked store reflects the growing focus of protests on institutions associated with the regime’s military and economic power.

The events in Abadan underline the symbolic nature of recent acts, as protesters aim to challenge the authority of the IRGC while avoiding indiscriminate looting. Observers note that such targeted actions demonstrate a high level of organization and strategic intent within the protest movement.

As unrest continues to spread across Iran, incidents like the ransacking of the Afagh Khorasan store exemplify the increasing boldness of demonstrators and the intensifying challenge to the Islamic Republic’s control over key economic and security institutions.