Tear Gas and Tensions: Protests Escalate Across Tehran and Mashhad Amid Nationwide Strikes
TEHRAN, Iran — On December 29, 2025, Iran witnessed a sharp escalation in nationwide protests as demonstrators clashed violently with security forces in Tehran and Mashhad. The unrest, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling clerics and economic hardships, saw tear gas fill the streets of the capital and other cities, while strikes shuttered major commercial centers including Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar.
According to reports from the National Council of Resistance of Iran, a large crowd marched along Jomhouri Street before moving into adjacent areas such as Naser Khosrow Street and Istanbul Square. These central parts of Tehran quickly became flashpoints, with riot police deploying tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds. Protesters responded with chants of “Shameless! Shameless!” and pushed back, forcing security forces to retreat from several locations.
The protests have been marked by a growing defiance against the regime’s authority, with demonstrators chanting slogans demanding the downfall of the ruling clerics and calling on President Masoud Pezeshkian to step aside. Video footage circulated online shows protesters inside the Grand Bazaar shouting, “Have no fear, we are all together,” while hurling insults at security forces. Additional clips capture crowds chanting “Death to the dictator” and urging merchants to close their shops in solidarity.
The unrest is compounded by ongoing nationwide strikes affecting commercial hubs such as Lalehzar Street and Istanbul Square. These strikes have severely impacted daily commerce and are a clear indication of the economic grievances fueling the protests. According to the U.S. Department of State’s human rights report, the Iranian government has increasingly cracked down on dissent, with security forces employing harsh tactics to quell demonstrations.
By Monday afternoon, the protests had spread to Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city, where demonstrators gathered in central squares and engaged in confrontations with riot police. The unrest in Mashhad underscores the nationwide scale of the dissatisfaction and the challenges facing the Iranian regime.
Observers note that these protests come amid reports of Iran’s continued development of chemical and biological missile warheads, raising international concerns about regional security. The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly called for transparency and restraint as tensions escalate.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government’s response has been swift and forceful. Security forces have intensified their presence in protest hotspots, employing tear gas and physical force to disperse crowds. Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch have condemned the use of excessive force and urged restraint to prevent further loss of life.
The unrest also highlights the broader socio-political challenges facing Iran, including economic instability and public dissatisfaction with governance. The International Monetary Fund has noted Iran’s economic difficulties, exacerbated by sanctions and internal policy issues, which have contributed to the public’s grievances.
As the protests continue to unfold, the international community remains watchful. The developments in Tehran and Mashhad signal a critical juncture for Iran, where demands for political reform and economic relief are increasingly met with state resistance. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether these protests will lead to meaningful change or further repression.
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