In its latest restrictive measure along Iranshahr Street, Tehran Municipality has begun clearing out street vendors and sidewalk stalls, an action following the previous sealing of local cafes and the removal of outdoor benches positioned outside them.
The recent sequence of events across Iranshahr and Sanai streets reflects a growing push to limit public seating, cafe operations, and the presence of youth throughout the area.
Tehran Municipality stated that the removal of vendor stalls was carried out in response to complaints by residents; however, officials have provided no details regarding the number of complaints received, where they were lodged, or the exact geographical boundaries of the initiative.
The crackdown on businesses along Sanai and Iranshahr streets intensified on July 20, when seven cafes were sealed simultaneously. These establishments were later permitted to reopen only after owners signed written pledges to enforce compulsory hijab mandates among staff and prevent customers from gathering on sidewalks and streets.
According to published reports, varying pretexts were cited for sealing each cafe, ranging from placing chairs on sidewalks and serving sandwiches to non-compliance with mandatory hijab rules. While news agencies Fars and Tasnim attributed the closures to commercial trade violations, local sources and trade union activists maintained that compulsory hijab enforcement and what authorities label “behavior contrary to public morals” were the primary drivers.
