Tehran Grand Bazaar – Clashes Between Protesters and Security Forces, Use of Tear Gas and Retreat of Units

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar became the scene of nationwide protests.

People and bazaar merchants, protesting years of repression and violence by the ruling authorities, took to the streets and various sections of the bazaar chanting “Freedom.” At the same time, amid a widespread strike by shopkeepers, security forces fired tear gas at protesters and merchants.

In the Saraye Melli section of the bazaar, special units attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas, but protesters resisted by setting fires and forcing the forces to retreat. Images and videos received indicate that the Tehran bazaar is effectively under the control of protesters, with clashes between merchants and security forces continuing.