Iran Intensifies Enforcement of Hijab Laws, Closes Businesses and Blocks Social Media

Iranian authorities have escalated enforcement of hijab regulations, shutting down dozens of businesses and increasing online censorship in recent weeks. According to reports from Iran International and HRANA news agencies, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) closed approximately 42 establishments, including cafes, restaurants, shops, and women's sports clubs, over violations of modesty laws within the past three weeks. This represents a sharp rise, with closure orders in this short period accounting for 22% of all such orders issued in the previous year. The crackdown has spread across at least 17 cities, including Tehran.

In addition to physical business closures, the Iranian regime has intensified internet monitoring and censorship. Between July 11 and August 1, authorities blocked around 72 social media pages and accounts, compelling operators of 21 pages to issue statements pledging compliance with religious regulations. This digital clampdown accompanies a broader hardening of policy under newly appointed hardline leaders.

Mojtaba Khamenei, a senior figure linked to Iran's supreme leadership, recently reshuffled key positions, including the IRGC commander and Basij forces leader, installing staunch conservatives rather than moderates. Journalist Dror Blazadeh noted these appointments signal Iran's refusal to relent and an escalation in its stance against adversaries, primarily the United States and Israel. The long-term impact of this intensified enforcement and leadership shift remains uncertain, with questions about whether it will strengthen the regime or accelerate its decline.