Field Observations of the Situation in Tehran’s Markets Following Protests and Unrest in Iran
WANA (Jan 06) – As protests and unrest continue in some parts of Iran over economic conditions, field observations from today at several markets and commercial centers in Tehran indicate that the overall situation in most areas has remained normal. However, in certain locations, signs of concern and limited disruption to business activities have been observed.
Presence of Law Enforcement and the Overall Situation
According to field observations conducted between approximately 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (local time), the presence of law enforcement forces was noticeable in major squares and key areas of Tehran, including Ferdowsi Square and Imam Khomeini Square, with the aim of maintaining security and public order. In these areas, the general atmosphere was reported to be calm, and both pedestrian traffic and market activity continued as usual.
Protests in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar
WANA (Jan 06) – Reports from central Tehran indicate that protests took place in the Tehran Grand Bazaar area, primarily focused on high prices and market instability, with political slogans largely absent. Due to the presence of pedestrians and crowded conditions, it was not possible to separate protesters from bystanders to estimate the exact […]
Limited Closure of Some Businesses
At the same time, assessments show that in certain areas—such as parts of Rey Street and sections of Amir Kabir Street—a number of businesses, particularly those selling household appliances, were closed on a limited basis.
In these areas, signs of damage to public property were also observed, including burn marks on trash bins.
Reasons for Shop Closures
Conversations with some shopkeepers who had closed their businesses indicate that this decision was mainly driven by concerns about potential damage to property and the risk of insecurity, rather than support for or participation in the protests.
In some locations, remnants of stones and bricks were seen on the streets, which, according to witnesses, appeared to have been left intentionally to cause disruption and create a sense of insecurity in the business environment.
People walk past closed shops following protests over a plunge in the currency’s value, in the Tehran Grand Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, December 30, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Continuation of Market Activity in Other Areas
Nevertheless, field observations suggest that in many central parts of Tehran, including Ferdowsi Street and the western section of Amir Kabir Street, shops remained open and commercial activities continued normally.
Limited Movements in Some Streets
In the early afternoon hours, temporary and unusual traffic congestion was observed on Rey Street, mainly due to the presence of small groups of motorcyclists numbering several dozen. By repeatedly honking their horns, these individuals appeared to be attempting to portray the area as tense. However, these movements did not have a significant impact on the overall course of market activity.
Overall Assessment
In general, field evidence indicates that despite efforts to disrupt economic activities and push Tehran’s markets toward closure or tension, the majority of the capital’s markets have continued their daily operations, and the overall situation is reported to be under control.
