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Live report: Day 8 of Iran Uprising; Tehran Bazaar strikes as protests hit the capital’s economic heart

By Mahmoud Hakamian
Iran Protests Day 8
Iran Protests Day 8: Aladdin Market on Strike in Tehran (January 4, 2026)

Live report | Sunday, January 4, 2026

The nationwide uprising against the religious dictatorship in Iran entered its eighth consecutive day on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Following a volatile seventh day marked by a brutal massacre in Malekshahi and Ali Khamenei’s threats against protesters, the unrest has intensified and focused on the economic heart of the capital.

On Sunday, despite a martial law-like atmosphere, shopkeepers, merchants, and business owners in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and surrounding commercial districts launched widespread strikes. They were joined by university students and citizens in the streets, forming a united front against the regime’s plunder and repression. The protests, triggered by the collapse of the rial and the removal of preferential exchange rates, have evolved into a direct political challenge to the regime’s existence, with chants calling for the overthrow of the Supreme Leader.

Day 8 Roundup: Widespread strikes, protests in Tehran, regime attacks Ilam hospital, and nationwide defiance

On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the eighth day of the nationwide uprising ended with a shocking display of regime brutality and fierce public resistance. As strikes paralyzed the Tehran Bazaar during the day, the night brought urban warfare to the streets of western and central Iran. In a horrific escalation, regime forces stormed a hospital in Ilam, while in Isfahan, gunfire targeted civilians, including children. Despite the violence, rebellious youth in Karaj and Yazd burned symbols of the dictatorship, and women in Hafshejan led chants calling for the death of the Supreme Leader.

Key highlights from today:

  • Tehran Protests & Strikes: The capital saw a dual front of resistance: a widespread strike in the Grand Bazaar during the day, and intense protests in districts like Naziabad, Narmak, and Vali Asr at night, with chants of “Death to Khamenei.”
  • Attack on Ilam Hospital: In a blatant war crime, anti-riot forces stormed the Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, assaulting medical staff and terrorizing patients. Protesters resisted from inside and outside, while youth set up barricades and effectively took control of surrounding streets.
  • Shooting in Koushk: In Koushk (Isfahan Province), security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters.
  • Burning Regime Symbols: Brave youth in Karaj set fire to banners of Khomeini and Khamenei at Ferdows Bridge. In Yazd, protesters burned a banner of Qasem Soleimani on the anniversary of his death.
  • Armed Resistance & Self-Defense: In Lahijan, protesters used Molotov cocktails to repel suppressive forces. Earlier in Hamedan, youth disarmed a Basij agent, and in Kermanshah, fierce clashes forced security units to flee.
  • Women Leading the Charge: In Hafshejan, young women led the crowds in powerful chants of “Death to Khamenei.”
  • Nationwide Clashes: Intense confrontations were reported in Bojnord, Khorramabad, and Shiraz, while citizens in Shalamzar chanted, “We don’t have weapons, but we have strong wills.”

Update—22:00 CET

As the eighth night of the uprising progresses, the Iranian regime’s brutality has reached a new low. In Ilam, suppressive forces attacked a hospital, assaulting medical staff and terrorizing patients. Meanwhile, in Isfahan province, security forces opened fire on civilians, with reports confirming the presence of children in the line of fire. Despite this savagery, the youth are fighting back, controlling streets in Ilam and burning regime symbols in Karaj and Yazd.

War Crime in Ilam: Attack on Khomeini Hospital

In a shocking act of brutality, the regime’s anti-riot forces stormed the Khomeini Hospital in Ilam to arrest injured protesters.

  • Assault on Medical Staff: Reports confirm that security forces attacked the hospital, assaulting medical staff and hurling insults at them.
  • Terrorizing Patients: The raid spread fear among patients, particularly women and children.
  • Resistance: Brave protesters attempted to block the doors to prevent the mercenaries from entering, responding with stones and shouts of “Shame on you!” from inside and near the facility.
  • Street Control: Outside the hospital and near the Keshvari underpass and 22 Bahman Square, protesters set up barricades and blocked roads. Reports indicate that parts of the city’s streets are effectively in the hands of the uprising youth chanting “Death to the dictator.”

Koushk: Gunfire and Cries of Children

In Koushk, Isfahan Province, the regime’s forces opened fire on unarmed protesters. Heartbreaking reports from the scene describe the cries of a child echoing under the hail of bullets fired by Khamenei’s troops, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the crackdown.

Burning the Symbols of Tyranny

Rebellious youth across the country targeted the regime’s ideological symbols.

  • Karaj: At Ferdows Bridge, brave youth set fire to banners of the regime’s founder Khomeini and current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
  • Yazd: On the anniversary of the elimination of Qassem Soleimani, the regime’s terror mastermind, courageous youth set fire to his banner.

Fierce Clashes and Women Leading the Way

  • Lahijan: The conflict escalated in Shishegaran district, where a protester threw a Molotov cocktail at suppressive forces.
  • Hafshejan: Women are playing a leading role in the protests. In Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, brave young women led the crowd in powerful chants of “Death to Khamenei.”
  • Bojnord & Khorramabad: Intense clashes have been reported between protesters and regime mercenaries in both cities.

Nationwide Defiance: From Tehran to Shalamzar

  • Naziabad (Tehran): For yet another night, citizens in this south Tehran district gathered to chant “Death to Khamenei.”
  • Shalamzar: Locals held nightly protests with the slogan: “We don’t have weapons, but we have strong wills.”
  • Shiraz & Sangessar: Chants of “Death to the dictator” and calls for freedom echoed through the streets.
  • Rasht: Drivers honked their horns continuously in a show of solidarity with the protesters.

Update—20:00 CET

As darkness fell on the eighth day of the uprising, the flame of resistance burned brighter. Despite a heavy security lockdown, nightly protests have erupted across Tehran and several other provinces. In a significant escalation of resistance, rebellious youth in Hamedan disarmed a regime agent, while the people of Tehran and Kermanshah are engaging in street battles with suppressive forces.

Tehran: Gunshots and Fires in the Capital

The regime’s attempt to silence the capital has failed. Protesters have returned to the streets in multiple districts, defying the martial law-like atmosphere.

  • Vali Asr Street: Protests continued late into the night. Reports indicate that gunshots were heard as security forces attempted to disperse the crowds, but the people fought back, chanting anti-regime slogans.
  • Moshiriyeh: A large crowd gathered, lighting fires to block the path of security vehicles and chanting “Down with Khamenei.”
  • Tehranpars: Defying extreme security measures, protesters resumed their rallies with the radical chant: “This is the year of blood, Seyyed Ali [Khamenei] will be overthrown!”
  • Narmak: For the third consecutive night, the people of Narmak flooded the streets chanting “Down with the dictator,” proving that the regime’s intimidation tactics have lost their effect.

Hamedan: Basij Agent Disarmed

In a courageous act of resistance in western Iran, a Basij agent who attempted to intimidate protesters in Hamedan was overwhelmed by the youth. The protesters managed to confiscate his weapon, signaling a shift in the balance of power on the streets.

Kermanshah: Urban Warfare in Jafarabad

The situation in Kermanshah remains critical. In the Jafarabad district and Shariati Street, intense clashes are ongoing between the people and security forces. This area remains a flashpoint following the death of a young protester during clashes last night. The people remain in the streets, engaging in direct confrontation with the regime’s forces.

Nationwide Resistance: From North to South

  • Lahijan (North): A large nightly rally formed. When security forces attempted to crack down, the people fought back with empty hands and stood their ground.
  • Sari (North): Protesters sang the nationalist “Ey Iran” anthem, emphasizing their patriotism against the anti-Iranian regime.
  • Bushehr (South): Locals held nightly rallies with the vow: “I will kill those who killed my brother!”
  • Firuzabad (South): Despite a heavy presence of security forces, local sources report that the regime’s agents appeared “frightened and confused” as the protesters grew bolder in their defiance.

Update—17:00 CET

On Sunday afternoon, funerals for the martyrs of the uprising in western Iran transformed into massive political demonstrations against Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, in cities like Kermanshah and Fuladshahr, protesters not only stood their ground against live fire but forced the regime’s suppressive forces to retreat.

Funerals Become Flashpoints: “Down with the Islamic Republic”

The regime’s killing of protesters has only fueled the people’s rage.

  • Malekshahi (Ilam Province): A massive crowd gathered for the funeral of Reza Azimzadeh, a civilian killed by security forces during Saturday’s massacre in the city. Mourners turned the ceremony into a protest, chanting “Death to Khamenei” and “Down with the Islamic Republic.”
  • Hafshejan (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province): A large crowd gathered to honor Sorush Soleimani, a 15-year-old youth murdered by the regime’s security forces. The presence of such a large crowd for a teenage martyr highlights the depth of public anger.

Clashes and Resistance: Protesters Fight Back

Reports from central and western Iran indicate intense confrontations between unarmed civilians and heavily armed regime units.

  • Kermanshah: In a significant show of resistance, protesters in this western city refused to disperse when security forces opened fire. They bravely stood their ground and eventually forced the repressive forces to flee the scene.
  • Fuladshahr: In central Iran, the regime tried to crush a rally where people were chanting “Down with Khamenei.” Security forces opened fire, but the protesters fought back, refusing to surrender the streets.
  • Dargahan (Qeshm): On Qeshm Island, security forces are roaming the streets and shooting at any assembly, creating a martial law atmosphere.

Tehran and Birjand: Fires and Student Protests

  • Tehran: Despite the saturation of security forces, protesters are gathering in various districts chanting “Down with the dictator.” On Sa’adi Street, residents and shopkeepers lit fires to block the movement of security units and protest the economic devastation.
  • Birjand: In northeast Iran, students held a rally chanting “Down with the mullahs’ rule,” continuing the nationwide trend of university protests.

Maryam Rajavi: “A generation that has cast aside fear is destined to prevail”

Marking the start of the second week of protests, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi sent a message to the Iranian people and the rebellious youth.
“Once again, the uprising has swept across Iran, now entering their second week and spreading to every province,” Mrs. Rajavi stated.

She honored the fallen, saying, “Once again, the uprising has claimed the lives of Iran’s youth, beloved children whose sacrifice has strengthened the resolve of a nation.”

Concluding with a message of hope and certainty, she added: “Salute to the heroic vanguards of the uprising… A generation that has cast aside fear and taken to the streets is, without doubt, destined to prevail.”

Update—14:00 CET

Tehran becomes the main battleground as Bazaar strikes and students rise up
On the eighth day of the nationwide uprising, Tehran has become the epicenter of the conflict. From the early hours of Sunday, January 4, the capital’s commercial districts witnessed a fusion of economic strikes and radical political protests.

Tehran: “Death to the Dictator” on Hafez and Saadi Streets

Reports indicate that Hafez Street was one of the first flashpoints today. Citizens took to the streets chanting “Death to the dictator,” expressing their deep fury at the theocratic rule.

On Saadi Street, shopkeepers and residents lit fires in the middle of the road to neutralize tear gas and block the path of regime vehicles. The atmosphere in central Tehran is described as explosive, with protesters chanting “Scoundrels, scoundrels!” at security forces.

At the Istanbul Crossroads and Jomhouri Street, the slogans have become increasingly radical, with crowds chanting: “This year is a year of blood, Seyyed Ali is overthrown.”

Bazaar Under Siege: Clashes at Aladdin and Fabric Market

The regime has deployed a massive number of security forces to the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas to prevent a total shutdown, but the strike continues.
• Aladdin Complex: IRGC forces and plainclothes agents brutally attacked shopkeepers outside the Aladdin and Charsou shopping centers. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the gathering. Reports state that while Special Units are trying to force mall doors open, shopkeepers are refusing to work.

  • Fabric Market (Kiyay-e Parcheh-Foroshan): The fabric market is on a complete strike. Merchants have lowered their shutters in a clear message that the economic situation is no longer sustainable.
    • Bein-al-Haramein: Half of the shops are closed. Despite the heavy presence of police and intelligence agents forcing some to remain open, the spirit of the strike prevails.

University Students: “Death to Khamenei”
Students at Tarbiat Modares University joined the uprising in solidarity with the striking market merchants. They held a rally on campus chanting “Death to Khamenei” and “This year is a year of blood.” In response, regime security locked the main university gates to trap the students inside and prevent them from spreading the protest to the streets.

Shooting in Qeshm and Strikes in the South
The brutality of the regime extends beyond Tehran. In Dargahan (Qeshm Island), reports confirm that IRGC agents on motorcycles opened fire on civilians.

Meanwhile, in southern Iran, merchants in Marvdasht and Kazerun (Fars province) have joined the nationwide strike. In Zabol (southeast), the political nature of the protests was highlighted by the chant: “Neither Gaza, nor Lebanon, my life for Iran!”

Judiciary Threatens Protesters
Fearing the expansion of the uprising, the regime’s Judiciary has resorted to threats.
• Isfahan: The Chief Justice of the province declared that any “disruption of order” is a red line and will be dealt with decisively.
• Hamedan: The regime’s prosecutor threatened that any action aligned with “enemy media” will be treated as a crime against national security.
• Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad: The local prosecutor warned that any “unrest” will be met with “decisive and regret-inducing” action.

Economic Collapse Intensifies
The protests are fueled by catastrophic economic mismanagement. The regime officially eliminated the preferential currency rate of 28,500 tomans. In the “second hall,” the dollar is now priced at 1,316,000 rials, signaling a massive spike in prices for basic goods and shrinking the people’s table even further.

 

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