Shopkeepers strike in south Tehran, reports of gatherings in main bazaar

Security measures were intensified at Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology in Tehran on Tuesday, with reports of tighter controls on student entry a day after students said they would join protests.

Students and local sources reported increased checks at campus entrances, with security personnel monitoring access and movement inside the university.

The measures followed a statement issued by students on Monday announcing their intention to take part in protests linked to economic conditions.

Universities in Tehran have played a visible role in recent protest movements, and campuses have often faced heightened security when demonstrations are expected.

Iran’s government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday that widespread protests over livelihoods reflect intense economic pressure on households, adding that the administration recognizes the right to peaceful assembly.

Speaking in response to the demonstrations, Mohajerani described public reaction as a natural response to economic strain.

“A natural reaction to economic and livelihood pressure is what we are seeing across society,” she said.

She said the government recognizes protests and emphasized peaceful gatherings. “We recognize people’s protests and stress peaceful assemblies, which are also recognized in our constitution,” Mohajerani said.

Mohajerani said the government would listen even to harsh criticism. “Even if there are sharp voices, the government will listen patiently, because when people raise their voices it shows the high level of pressure they are under,” she said.

Iran’s judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said on Tuesday that Iranians support the Islamic Republic and would not allow economic problems to be used against what he called the nation’s revolutionary values.

Speaking at a news conference, Jahangir pointed to what he described as public behavior at “historical junctures” as evidence of loyalty to both Iran and the 1979 revolution.

“Popular presence at critical moments has shown that people love their revolution and their Iran,” he said.

He added that citizens would not permit existing problems to become “a pretext for the enemy’s attack on the ideals and values of the nation.”

Iranian security forces were deployed at Valiasr Square in central Tehran on Tuesday, creating a heavy security atmosphere as protests continued in the capital.

Footage sent by citizens showed police and other government forces stationed around the square, one of Tehran’s busiest intersections and a frequent gathering point.

Valiasr Square lies along Valiasr Street, Tehran’s longest thoroughfare, which has often seen demonstrations during periods of unrest.

Shopkeepers at Isfahan’s Naghsh-e Jahan Square closed their stores on Tuesday, joining strikes on the third day of protests linked to Iran’s economic crisis, according to reports received by Iran International.

Reports from the city said merchants at the historic square, one of Iran’s main commercial and tourist hubs, kept their shops shut throughout the day.

The closures follow similar strike action by traders in Tehran and other cities.

Naghsh-e Jahan Square is a central gathering point in Isfahan.