The protest movement that has been shaking Iran since the end of December reached a symbolic milestone on Tuesday. For the first time, clashes broke out in the heart of Tehran's Grand Bazaar , the country's economic engine, a sign that social anger has spread to the merchant class.

A bloody crackdown and conflicting accounts

The death toll is rising as security forces try to contain gatherings across the country.

1. Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO: Records at least 27 deaths , including five children, and more than 1,000 arrests.
2. Iranian official sources report 13 deaths , including members of the security forces.
3. Notable incidents: Tear gas was fired in the Grand Bazaar and even in some hospitals in Tehran where authorities were reportedly trying to arrest injured protesters.

From the economic crisis to the political challenge

Although the movement was initially triggered by runaway inflation and price instability (particularly in the gold sector), the slogans quickly became politicized.

1. Radical slogans: In the streets of the capital and in the provinces, protesters are demanding "Freedom" and chanting slogans directly targeting the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
2. Social frustration: A viral video denounces the privileges of the ruling elite, criticizing the fact that the children of those in power are educated in Canada while local youth are imprisoned.

A regime under international and internal pressure

This uprising, although smaller in scale than the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement of 2022, comes at a time of extreme vulnerability for Tehran:

1. Military weakening: A direct consequence of the conflict with Israel last June.
2. UN sanctions: Reinstatement in September of sanctions related to the nuclear program.
3. Budgetary response deemed derisory: The government of Massoud Pezeshkian promised aid of 10 million rials (approximately CA$10) per month, a measure perceived as insufficient in the face of the collapse of purchasing power.

The Justice Department's position: Despite attempts at financial appeasement, the judiciary has warned that it will show "no leniency" towards those it describes as rioters.