Continued Strikes and Protests in Markets on the Third Day and Creation of a Security Atmosphere

On the third day of a new wave of public protests that began with a sudden spike in currency and gold prices, widespread strikes have brought large sections of Iran's economy to a standstill. These protests, which took on a political nature from the outset and targeted the entire regime, have now spread to many markets and cities across the country. Field reports and published updates indicate that in Tehran, merchants in the Grand Bazaar in sections such as 'Saraye Melli', '15 Khordad', 'Kolantari Alley' in the Iron Market, and also 'Bazaar Jolo Khan' have closed their shops and gone on strike. In the Jolo Khan market, a group of merchants gathered in the market area, calling on their fellow colleagues to close their shops and join the protests. Simultaneously, merchants in the areas of 'Shush', 'Mowlavi', 'Sabounian Street', and 'Bani Hashem Street' held rallies, chanting anti-government slogans. Additionally, in the Shadabad Iron Market, merchants protested against economic instability and the rising dollar prices, halting work and gathering. The scope of these strikes has extended beyond the capital. In Shiraz, merchants in the 'Sar Dazk' area closed their shops for the third consecutive day. Reports from Isfahan indicate a general strike in the 'Naghshe Jahan' area. In Ahvaz, the 'Taleghani' market and gold traders completely shut down and joined the protesters. Reports from Kermanshah indicate that citizens and merchants held protest marches, chanting anti-government slogans against the regime's regional and domestic policies, and in response to the crackdown by authorities, people reacted strongly against government forces. Concurrent with these gatherings, the atmosphere in many cities has become highly security-oriented. In Tehran, government forces and suppression vehicles have been stationed in 'Valiasr Square', 'Ariashahr', 'Setar Khan', and 'Narmak'. In Mashhad, a significant presence of agents has been reported in areas such as 'Qasemabad', 'Azadi Square', and 'Haft Tir Square'. Reports from 'Khayyam Street' in Tehran and areas of Karaj also indicate a heavy presence of security forces. Yesterday, in cities such as Tehran, Zanjan, Hamadan, Kerman, Malard, and Pardis, people took to the streets chanting explicit slogans for the overthrow of the regime.