Iran Intensifies Crackdown: Pro-Reform Newspaper Suspended, Business Leaders Targeted Amid Unrest

Authorities Suspend Pro-Reform Daily Ham-Mihan

Iranian authorities have ordered the suspension of the pro-reform daily newspaper Ham-Mihan, effective January 19, 2026. The Press Supervisory Board cited reasons related to 'undermining security' following the paper's extensive coverage of recent nationwide protests. The suspension specifically referenced two articles: an editorial by editor-in-chief Javad Ruh titled 'From January 1979 to January 2026,' published on January 16, 2026, and an article by journalist Elaheh Mohammadi, 'When the Sanctity of Medical Care Was Broken,' published on January 7, 2026. Mohammadi's piece reportedly detailed security forces' raids on hospitals and the arrests of injured protesters. Ham-Mihan, whose license holder is Gholamhossein Karbaschi, had previously faced suspensions but resumed operations in July 2022.

Business Leaders Targeted Over Alleged Support for Protests

In a parallel move, Iranian authorities are intensifying their crackdown on business leaders accused of supporting the recent unrest. Security forces arrested Mohammad Saedinia, owner of the popular Saedinia cafe chain in Qom, on January 13, 2026. He faces charges of 'inciting unrest' after allegedly participating in a national strike. Following his arrest, the judiciary ordered the seizure of Saedinia's assets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-affiliated Fars News Agency claimed on January 19, 2026, that the value of Saedinia's assets was 'almost equal to the financial damage caused' in Tehran during the recent disturbances. Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad stated that the assets of anyone backing the uprising would be seized to 'teach them a lesson.' This action reflects a broader targeting of business owners who participated in strikes that reportedly 'paralyzed some of Iran's major bazaars' earlier this month.

Context of Widespread Unrest and Government Response

These actions unfold against a backdrop of widespread protests that began in late December 2025, initially fueled by economic grievances such as high inflation and currency devaluation. The demonstrations quickly escalated, spreading to over 100 cities across Iran and posing a significant challenge to the Islamic Republic's leadership. The government's response has included a violent crackdown, mass arrests, and extensive internet blackouts to control information flow. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged 'several thousand deaths' during the unrest, attributing the violence to foreign actors, including the United States and Israel, and labeling participants as 'seditionists' and 'criminals.'

Tightening Control Over Dissent

The suspension of Ham-Mihan and the targeting of business figures like Mohammad Saedinia underscore the Iranian government's efforts to reassert control and suppress dissent following the recent wave of protests. Authorities continue to tighten their grip on media outlets and individuals perceived as critical or supportive of the opposition, signaling a firm stance against any challenges to the state's authority.