Angry Iranians Prepare Nationwide ‘Day of Rage’ and New Bazaar Shutdown
Iran is on the brink as citizens call for a nationwide 'Day of Rage' on Feb 17–18. With the Grand Bazaars set to shutter and the rial collapsing, merchants and activists unite for a historic strike. Will this be the final tipping point for the Islamic Republic?
The situation in Iran has reached a critical flashpoint following a series of events in early 2026 that have pushed the country into its most significant period of unrest in decades.
Activists and merchant groups have designated February 17 and 18 as a nationwide "Day of Rage." This specific timing is deeply symbolic in Iranian culture, marking the 40th day (Chehelom) since the "Black Weekend" of January 8–9, 2026, when security forces reportedly killed thousands of protesters during a massive internet blackout.
While the government officially acknowledges ~3,000 deaths, human rights organizations like HRANA estimate the number could be as high as 30,000–36,000 following the January crackdowns.
After the crackdown, Iranians feared for their lives and the protests stopped.
However, the rage of ordinary Iranians against the brutal regime has reached a point of no return.
Traditional merchants (Bazaaris) in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, as well as markets in Tabriz, Isfahan, and Rasht, have now committed to a total shutdown.
Beyond the Bazaars, labor unions in the oil and petrochemical sectors have signaled they may join the February 17 strike, which would effectively freeze the Iranian economy.
The regime has labeled the organizers "terrorists" and "agents of foreign powers" (specifically citing the U.S. and Israel). Tehran and other major hubs are currently under a state of "100% alert," with armored Spartak vehicles recently supplied by Russia deployed in major city centers like Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz. Tens of thousands of IRGC and Basij forces have been deployed to prevent the February 17–18 gatherings from turning into a full-scale march on government buildings.
To prevent another "Black Weekend" news leak, the regime is reportedly preparing a total telecommunications blackout, testing a new localized internet system to cut citizens off from the global web.
In addition, the judiciary has warned that any merchant participating in the "Day of Rage" strikes will face permanent seizure of their business licenses.
This is what has been planned for the days of rage.
Feb 16 - Eve of Rage: Rooftop chanting and localized protests.
Feb 17 - Day 1 of Strike: Total closure of Grand Bazaars; Memorials for the "40th Day."
Feb 18: Day 2 of Strike: Nationwide marches; potential clashes with IRGC.