Tear gas fired as security forces move on Tehran shopping centers

Iranian security forces fired tear gas and confronted merchants and protesters in central Tehran on Sunday, as authorities moved to reopen major shopping centers after several days of closures.

Witnesses said security forces targeted merchants at Alaeddin shopping center and Charsou mall, firing tear gas and clashing with shopkeepers who had kept their businesses closed.

Videos received by Iran International showed crowds gathering outside Charsou mall, chanting “bi-sharaf” (“shameless”) at security forces.

Videos also showed security forces firing tear gas toward merchants outside Alaeddin shopping center and engaging in physical confrontations.

Footage also showed motorcycle-mounted security units deployed along Jomhouri Street, a key commercial artery in central Tehran.

The Telegram channel Civil Protest of the Bazaar reported a large-scale security deployment across Tehran’s bazaar and said some merchants were forced to reopen shops.