Iran International reported that protesters took to the streets in locations including Mashhad, Tehran, Farsan, Marvdasht, Lordegan, and Arak, as well as other towns and provincial centers. In videos and eyewitness accounts shared with the outlet, crowds were heard chanting a range of slogans—some focused on domestic political leadership and others criticizing Iran’s regional priorities.
Among the chants reported were: “Death to Khamenei,” “Death to the dictator,” “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran,” “Reza Shah, may your soul rest in peace,” “Students may die, but they will not accept humiliation,” and “This year is the year of blood—Seyed Ali will be brought down.” Iran International said these slogans were heard in different areas as demonstrations unfolded.
Merchants Join, Tear Gas Reported in Tehran’s Wholesale Market
A notable development highlighted by opposition news sources was the reported participation of shopkeepers and traders—including merchants at Tehran’s central fruit and vegetable market in District 19—who, according to the outlet, joined the protests and echoed the chant “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran.”
Iran International also reported that security forces fired tear gas and, in some accounts, opened fire in and around the same market area while attempting to disperse crowds. Separately, the outlet said footage suggested a heavy security presence in parts of Tehran, including around major junctions and in the bazaar area.
In Farsan, opposition sources cited reports alleging that at least 20 protesters were arrested, many of them under the age of 18. The outlet noted it could not independently confirm every detail of the claims but said the reports were consistent with patterns seen during previous waves of unrest.
Universities and Dormitories Draw Security Response
Iran International also described an expanding student dimension to the protests. The outlet reported that, following calls by student groups to sustain demonstrations, several universities joined the movement.
According to Iran International, on Wednesday night security forces raided dormitories connected to Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, leading to the reported arrest of some students. Iranian officials, however, were cited by the outlet as rejecting claims that agents entered the university compound—an assertion contested by images and accounts circulating online.
Additional videos referenced by Iran International purported to show student gatherings in Mashhad, including at Ferdowsi University and Khayyam University, where chants included “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran” and “Students may die, but they will not accept humiliation.”
Videos Show Confrontations in Several Cities
Iran International’s rolling coverage included footage it said was sent from around the country. In Hamedan, one clip reportedly showed a demonstrator standing in front of a water cannon vehicle. Other videos described by the outlet appeared to show protesters in Nurabad (Lorestan) chanting against Iran’s leadership, while separate footage from Marvdasht allegedly showed security forces firing toward demonstrators and crowds responding with slogans such as “This is the final battle—the Pahlavi will return” and “Tanks and cannons are fireworks—the clerics must be gone.”
In Lordegan, Iran International said videos showed confrontations with security forces and angry chants directed at personnel on the scene. In Fooladshahr (Isfahan Province) and Kermanshah, the outlet reported demonstrators lighting fires in the streets and chanting monarchist slogans.
Economic Pressure and Political Anger Intertwine
A recurring theme in the opposition sources' reporting was the argument that sharp economic pain is accelerating the political character of the protests. The outlet referenced international commentary suggesting the demonstrations were fueled by the falling value of the rial and surging prices, with merchants and small businesses playing an unusually prominent role.
The sources pointed to coverage by Le Monde, which described a wave of socially rooted protests centered on shopkeepers and traders after steep currency depreciation and price rises, and to analysis in The Jerusalem Post, which cautioned that while the movement is broad and unusual, historical precedent suggests it is difficult to predict outcomes quickly.
The outlet also relayed commentary attributed to The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board, which argued that protests spread despite expectations that external conflict would rally public support behind the government. That commentary emphasized economic grievances, the risk of escalation, and the possibility of a harsher crackdown if demonstrations intensify.
Global Reactions and Opposition Messaging
Iran International reported that international and regional actors have responded publicly as protests continue. It cited a post from the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s Persian-language account stating that “the people of Iran do not want the Islamic Republic,” and it summarized reactions from foreign political figures commenting on the scale and nature of the unrest.
The outlet also reported that Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to use “every opportunity” and gathering to expand protests—messaging that reflects the increasingly political framing among some protest participants and opposition voices.
Uncertainty Over Next Steps
While demonstrations have persisted for five days, the trajectory remains uncertain. Iran International’s reporting suggested the authorities have combined visible security deployments with public statements about engaging with certain sectors, even as accounts of arrests and dispersal tactics continue to emerge.
As with many fast-moving events in Iran—where internet disruptions, state media constraints, and verification challenges are common—independent confirmation of every video and claim remains difficult. Still, the breadth of locations and the range of participants described in Iran International’s coverage point to a volatile moment, with economic distress and political frustration appearing increasingly intertwined.
Photo: Iran International