Iran authorities close businesses over hijab and social media compliance

Authorities in Iran have conducted several closures of businesses following inspections related to religious and social compliance. In Zabol, police officials reported the sealing of a recreational complex after a video with what was described as ‘immoral content’ circulated on social media. The closure was attributed to a failure to observe ‘Islamic etiquette and the promotion of lack of hijab.’

In Kashan, four women’s hair salons were also closed during joint inspections involving the Chamber of Guilds, public place monitoring officials, and representatives from the headquarters for enjoining good and forbidding wrong. The closures were reportedly due to non-compliance with legal requirements, social media activity, and ‘Islamic etiquette.’ Additionally, six other salons received formal warnings.

Reports indicate a broader trend of business closures in Iran driven by non-professional reasons, such as hijab enforcement and religious observance periods, rather than standard commercial violations. Data suggests that at least 191 commercial and professional establishments were closed in the past year for reasons including services provided during Ramadan or failure to adhere to mandatory hijab regulations.