Iran has cracked down on private businesses in the aftermath of nationwide protests that left dozens dead and sparked widespread unrest. The government, citing "rules and regulations," shut down scores of cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and ice cream shops across central and northern Tehran, many of which had displayed support for the protesters.
The move appears to be a heavy-handed attempt to silence dissenting voices in Iran, where the government has been accused of using deadly force against unarmed protesters. The Iranian authorities have denied any wrongdoing, claiming that "terrorists" and "rioters" - largely funded by the US and Israel - were responsible for the violence.
Despite this, human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of police brutality and intimidation. The United Nations has also raised concerns about raids on hospitals and arrests of medical personnel.
The Iranian economy is struggling, with the national currency at an all-time low due to international sanctions and a dwindling oil export revenue. Many businesses are operating under cash-only transactions as foreign investment has dried up.
As tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate, the government is planning celebrations on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the 1979 revolution that overthrew the country's last monarch. The Supreme Leader has called for "unparalleled" participation in state-organized rallies and demonstrations, warning Iranians to "make the enemy disappointed."
Meanwhile, leading reformist figures who had called for change after the protests have been arrested on charges of working on behalf of Israel and the US.
The United States is seeking diplomacy with Iran through Oman's mediation, but tensions remain high as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Trump to push for support against Iran.
The move appears to be a heavy-handed attempt to silence dissenting voices in Iran, where the government has been accused of using deadly force against unarmed protesters. The Iranian authorities have denied any wrongdoing, claiming that "terrorists" and "rioters" - largely funded by the US and Israel - were responsible for the violence.
Despite this, human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of police brutality and intimidation. The United Nations has also raised concerns about raids on hospitals and arrests of medical personnel.
The Iranian economy is struggling, with the national currency at an all-time low due to international sanctions and a dwindling oil export revenue. Many businesses are operating under cash-only transactions as foreign investment has dried up.
As tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate, the government is planning celebrations on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the 1979 revolution that overthrew the country's last monarch. The Supreme Leader has called for "unparalleled" participation in state-organized rallies and demonstrations, warning Iranians to "make the enemy disappointed."
Meanwhile, leading reformist figures who had called for change after the protests have been arrested on charges of working on behalf of Israel and the US.
The United States is seeking diplomacy with Iran through Oman's mediation, but tensions remain high as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Trump to push for support against Iran.
. All these businesses getting shut down? It's just gonna push more people into the underground and make life even harder. And let's be real, who needs a government that's just gonna silence dissenting voices and blame everyone else for their own failures 
. The Iranian economy is already struggling, and now they're just making it worse by cutting off foreign investment 
.
... i mean, can't they see that's just gonna hurt the economy even more? and what about all those people who lost their jobs or have to work under cash-only transactions? 
but you know what? amidst all this chaos, there are still some cool art galleries popping up in secret locations 
... like, who needs official approval when you've got passion and creativity on your side? 
. It's like they're being suffocated by the government and it's getting harder for them to express themselves. I mean, who wouldn't want to protest against a system that's not working for them? The fact that they're shutting down cafes and restaurants just to silence dissenting voices is really scary 
. But at the same time, I get that tensions are high and there are some big players involved 
. Maybe Oman's mediation will help calm things down? 
just heard about the crackdown in Iran... it's like they're suffocating private businesses under a ton of rules and regulations. I mean, who needs that kind of stress? 
. This crackdown on private businesses in Iran is just another example of how they're using heavy-handed tactics to keep people from speaking out. It's not like the protesters were asking for much - they just wanted some basic human rights and freedoms. But no, instead of listening to their demands, the government is choosing to shut down entire neighborhoods and arrest anyone who dares to speak up.
. It's like they're trying to create a climate of fear.
.
. Can't say I'm surprised that they're blaming foreign powers for their own internal issues - like any good scapegoat would 
. And of course, the government would rather arrest medical personnel than actually address the root issues...
this is getting ridiculous, first they shut down all those businesses, now they're arresting reformists... it's like they're trying to suffocate any kind of dissent in that country. 
when it comes to real change.
. I mean, where are the human rights organizations when it comes to investigating police brutality? It's like they're just too scared to speak out against the government.
. And now, with the US and Israel getting more involved, it's like a big game of geopolitical chess, but at what cost? 
I just hope someone stands up for those peaceful protesters and demands justice 
... like, shouldn't they be able to do their job without fear of persecution?
... it's no wonder businesses are struggling. but this isn't gonna solve anything, you know? more violence and repression only makes things worse.
And now, reformist leaders who were all about change are gettin' arrested on flimsy charges? 
It's like, where's the justice? The US is tryin' to mediate and all that jazz, but it feels like they're just messin' with the situation. 