Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, long considered a bastion of loyalty to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has become a focal point of unrest as shopkeepers joined a strike on January 6, 2026. Security forces advanced through shuttered streets, deploying tear gas to disperse merchants and protesters alike, highlighting the widening scope of Iran’s domestic crisis.

The strike marks a pivotal moment in the ninth day of nationwide protests triggered by economic collapse, inflation, and state repression. Reports indicate that between 25 and 35 protesters have been killed since late December 2025, and hundreds more have been arrested, underscoring both the scale of dissent and the government’s aggressive response.

Video footage from the bazaar shows a tense standoff between black-clad security personnel and shopkeepers barricading streets and refusing to open stores. Historically, Tehran merchants have been staunch supporters of the regime, making their participation in the strike a symbolic and strategic shift in the protest movement.

Analysts note that the unrest at the Grand Bazaar signals a potential realignment within Iranian society. As economic pressures deepen and traditional pillars of support erode, the regime faces increasing vulnerability to public defiance. The participation of previously loyal sectors demonstrates the depth of dissatisfaction and suggests that the protests may gain further momentum in urban centers.

The situation remains fluid, with security forces continuing operations to restore order while citizens increasingly push back against state authority. Observers warn that sustained unrest in Tehran’s commercial heart could have broader implications for the stability of the regime and the trajectory of Iran’s internal political crisis.