Iran came to a near standstill on Wednesday as businesses, universities and government offices closed under a government-ordered shutdown amid protests sparked by a deepening political and economic crisis.
Video footage circulating online and shared by the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) shows intense clashes between protesters and security forces in cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Tehran.
In the videos, the demonstrators chant slogans against the regime and confront the security forces in crowded streets.
The footage included scenes of shouting and apparent gunfire, with protesters throwing objects and shouting, “Death to the Dictator” and “Proud Arakis, support, support”.
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Additional footage shared by MEK shows crowds chanting, “Death to Khamenei!” and “Shame on you, shame on you!” as anger appears to spread across the country, with a particular focus on bazaar-led protests in Tehran.
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Some of the most dramatic scenes were reported in the city of Fasa in south-central Iran. A video circulating online shows protesters throwing objects at the doors of a government complex and shaking them open.
Opposition groups also reported that protesters stormed the governor’s office, prompting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces to open fire, according to Reuters.
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Military helicopters were seen flying over the town, apparently to intimidate residents and prevent unrest from spreading.
In Kermanshah, in western Iran, bazaar traders were seen confronting security forces while chanting, “Dishonorable, dishonorable,” according to videos.
The one-day shutdown affected 21 of Iran’s 31 provinces, including Tehran, as President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to quell growing public anger fueled by inflation, currency instability and declining living standards.
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The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sitting next to a senior military officer in Iran.
Demonstrations, strikes and clashes with security forces continued for the fourth consecutive day in cities across the country.
The unrest has developed alongside a series of high-level leadership changes that have increased 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.
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State media quoted the president as acknowledging that the role was “extremely difficult and complex,” warning that the new head of the central bank will face strong pressure and criticism amid continued economic turmoil, according to Irna.
Separately, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced the appointment of the IRGC Brig. The Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as deputy commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guards.
Original article source: Iran shuts down as protesters storm governor’s office, crowds chant ‘Death to Khamenei’