Iranian Forces Crack Down on Chaharshanbe Suri Celebrations in Tehran

Iranian Forces Crack Down on Chaharshanbe Suri Celebrations in Tehran

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, armed government personnel assaulted crowds celebrating the traditional Chaharshanbe Suri fire festival in the Chitgar area of District 22 in Tehran. The heavy-handed response to public gatherings occurs against a backdrop of extreme national tension, as Iran navigates the fallout from widespread Israeli and US military strikes, ongoing reciprocal attacks, and severe domestic disruptions including banking shutdowns.

Reports and video evidence from various Farsi-language media outlets documented the crackdown, utilizing strong anti-regime language to describe the events: A video published by Vahid Online captured the "moment of the attack by armed government forces" on the festival attendees in Chitgar. The opposition-aligned channel شب‌نامه described the confrontation as an assault by "oppressive mercenaries of the Islamic Republic" against defenseless people who were holding their Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations.

• According to DW Persian, the attack by repressive forces followed a prior warning from Ahmad-Reza Radan, the commander of the Islamic Republic's law enforcement, who had cautioned about "potential insecurity" during the annual fire festival.

DW Persian also highlighted a domestic double standard regarding public assemblies. The outlet noted that while the Chaharshanbe Suri crowds were forcibly dispersed in Chitgar, government supporters were permitted to gather freely in various other locations across the country.