Iranian Workers Strike in Tehran's Grand Bazaar Amid Economic Crisis

On Sunday, local workers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar organized a rare strike to protest the soaring inflation and the plummeting value of the Iranian rial. The protest, which initially began with shoe sellers in the 15th Khordad area, quickly spread to other sectors of the bazaar. Merchants were seen chanting slogans such as “Don’t be afraid, close up,” and “Brave merchants, support, support” in a collective show of defiance.

The protest comes amid a severe economic crisis, with the rial's value plummeting and the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar exceeding 660,000 rials in some unofficial markets. This sharp decline, first reported in April, has contributed to skyrocketing costs for everyday goods, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among both merchants and consumers.

Several similar protests have been reported in Iran, including demonstrations by farmers in Isfahan, pensioners in Arak, truck drivers in Sistan and Balochistan, and medical staff in Shiraz. These protests reflect the growing discontent over the rising cost of living, lack of government support, and delayed salaries for state employees.

The strike in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar is a significant moment in the ongoing protests. Security forces were deployed to the area, and while the gatherings dissipated by the end of the day without reported violence, the unrest underscores the deepening economic hardship in Iran. Merchants and workers have expressed frustration over the soaring costs of goods, with one fabric merchant mentioning that expenses have risen due to the exchange rate crossing 810,000 rials per dollar.

In January 2023, the same bazaar witnessed clashes between anti-government protesters and Iranian security forces, marking a period of intense unrest. The current protests, combined with an energy crisis and ongoing sanctions, highlight the increasingly volatile economic and political climate in Iran.