Iran ground to a near standstill on Wednesday as businesses, universities, and government offices closed across much of the country under a government-ordered shutdown amid escalating protests tied to a deepening political and economic crisis.

Video footage circulating online and shared by the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) showed intense clashes between protesters and security forces in multiple cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Tehran.

The videos depicted crowded streets where demonstrators confronted security personnel while chanting anti-regime slogans.

Isfahan, Iran

Protesters head toward the central square chanting, “This year is the year of blood, and the regime of Ali Khamenei the butcher will fall.” pic.twitter.com/aXp1Iz8oPR

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 31, 2025

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In several clips, protesters could be heard shouting, “Death to the Dictator” and “Proud Arakis, support, support,” as scenes of chaos unfolded.

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The footage included sounds of screaming and what appeared to be gunfire, with demonstrators throwing objects at security forces.

Additional videos released by MEK showed crowds chanting, “Death to Khamenei!” and “Shame on you, shame on you!” as unrest appeared to spread across the country.

Much of the protest activity centered on bazaar-led demonstrations, particularly in Tehran, where merchants reportedly shut down operations in coordination with broader strikes.

Some of the most dramatic confrontations were reported in the city of Fasa, located in south-central Iran.

Video circulating online showed demonstrators hurling objects at the gates of a government complex and violently shaking them until the gates opened.

I hope the terror regime of Iran is finally taken down.
I stand with the people of Iran.
Where’s Greta? Ruffalo?Javier? Joaquin? Miranda from Sex in the city? Where’s all the College kids? Why aren’t they speaking up for the people of Iran?
Ilhan? Rashida?AOC?Bernie?
Hellllllo? pic.twitter.com/nemetOA3Kr

— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) December 30, 2025

Opposition groups reported that protesters stormed the governor’s office, prompting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces to open fire, according to Reuters.

Military helicopters were seen flying over Fasa, apparently as a show of force aimed at intimidating residents and preventing the unrest from spreading to surrounding areas.

In western Iran, footage from Kermanshah showed bazaar merchants confronting security forces while chanting, “Dishonorable, dishonorable,” as tensions flared between civilians and authorities.

The one-day shutdown affected 21 of Iran’s 31 provinces, including the capital Tehran, as President Masoud Pezeshkian moved to contain mounting public anger fueled by soaring inflation, currency instability, and declining living standards.

The shutdown marked one of the most extensive nationwide closures in recent years.

Demonstrations, strikes, and clashes with security forces continued for a fourth consecutive day in cities across the country, signaling that the unrest showed little sign of subsiding.

The protests unfolded against a backdrop of economic hardship that has intensified pressure on Iran’s leadership.

The unrest has also coincided with a series of high-level leadership changes that have added to political and economic uncertainty.

On Wednesday, Pezeshkian appointed Abdolnaser Hemmati, a former economy minister, as the new head of Iran’s central bank following the resignation of Mohammad Reza Farzin.

State media quoted the president as acknowledging the challenges facing the new central bank chief.

According to IRNA, Pezeshkian said the role was “extremely difficult and complex,” warning that Hemmati would face intense pressure and criticism amid ongoing economic turmoil.

Separately, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced the appointment of IRGC Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as deputy commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guards, a move that came as security forces remained heavily engaged in responding to nationwide unrest.

Iran has faced repeated waves of protests in recent years driven by economic grievances, political dissatisfaction, and anger over corruption and governance.

Wednesday’s shutdown and the scale of the demonstrations marked a significant escalation as authorities attempted to regain control while protesters continued to challenge the government in streets and marketplaces across the country.

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