Iran clamps down on cafés and shops over alleged hijab violations

Conservative clerics and politicians in Iran have intensified calls to enforce stricter hijab rules, leading to the shutdown of multiple cafés, restaurants and a boutique accused of allowing uncovered women. Human rights group HRANA documented the closure of at least seven Tehran venues on July 19, and the Tehran Prosecutor's Office warned of severe penalties for perceived indecency in such establishments. In South Khorasan, the chief prosecutor cited violations of social norms as the reason for closing ten cafés. Women, especially younger ones, keep defying the dress code, posting videos of hijab-free motorbike gatherings in Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan.

President Masoud Pezeshkian argued that laws cannot change personal beliefs and urged cultural dialogue, while hardliners like Kayhan editor Hossein Shariatmadari and MP Mohammad-Taqi Naqdali demand tougher action. The debate follows the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked ongoing protests against compulsory veiling.