The wave of closures (polomb) targeting cafes, shops, and other commercial establishments over non-compliance with mandatory hijab regulations continues across several Iranian cities. In recent days, multiple businesses in Qaenat, Khomein, Kerman, Tehran, and Ardabil were shut down, while 16 individuals were arrested in Ardabil.
The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Qaenat announced the closure of an eyewear shop after an employee and a customer failed to observe mandatory hijab rules. According to the prosecutor, the business had previously received warnings and was sealed during a joint inspection by the Public Places Supervision Office and the Qaenat Chamber of Guilds.
Concurrently, the “Yin Yang” cafe in Khomein was sealed over allegations of “bad hijab and Instagram content creation.” In Kerman, the women’s clothing store “Maison Shabnam” was shut down prior to its grand opening due to an Instagram post, which was subsequently removed from the page. Reports also confirmed the sealing of the “Bole” cafe-restaurant in Tehran’s Velenjak neighborhood.
In Ardabil, Deputy Prosecutor Hossein Salari announced the sealing of three coffee shops and the arrest of 16 individuals, citing reasons such as “gambling, norm-breaking, promoting corruption, and failure to observe Islamic norms.” The identities, detention locations, and exact charges against those arrested remain undisclosed. Additional business closures were reported for “Boutique 88” in Arak, “Maison Aven” in Qom, “Cafe Caffe” in Shiraz, and the “Pet Hub” store in Tehran.
