Anti-Khamenei Demonstrations Leave 27 Dead, Violence Spreads to Tehran Bazaar

27 Dead as Anti-Khamenei Protests Turn Violent, Clashes Erupt at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar.

At least 27 people, including five minors, have been killed as anti-Khamenei protests over rising prices and the plunging Iranian rial continue across the country. Tear gas was fired by security forces to disperse demonstrators at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, a key economic hub, while authorities said some security personnel, including a policeman, were also killed.

The unrest began December 28 after merchants closed the bazaar, spreading to western provinces with Kurdish and Lor populations. Protesters reportedly chanted slogans such as “Pahlavi will return” and “Seyyed Ali will be overthrown”, targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Iran Human Rights (IHR) group said over 1,000 arrests have been made nationwide and accused authorities of using lethal force, including in Ilam province, where six protesters were reportedly killed. Amnesty International condemned the crackdown as a sign of the regime’s determination to suppress dissent.

The protests coincide with a deepening economic crisis, with the rial falling to 1.47 million per dollar, fueling public anger despite modest relief measures announced by the government.