Iranians protest renaming Tehran street after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

A public outcry in Tehran has forced the city council to abandon its plan to rename Bisotun Street after Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader behind the October 7 massacre in Israel. The move, initially pushed by hardliners, was met with widespread protests from Iranian citizens who opposed honoring the mastermind of a terrorist attack.

The renaming proposal, introduced by councilor Narges Madanipour, was approved by the ultra-hardline Tehran City Council, which supports Iran’s backing of Hamas. The street section chosen for renaming sits between a road named after Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) leader Fathi Shaqaqi and Jihad Square.

However, thousands of Iranians took to social media to express their outrage, calling it an affront to Iran’s heritage. A petition quickly circulated, condemning the attempt to erase the historically significant name of Bisotun Street, which holds deep cultural meaning.

Mehdi Chamran, chairman of the Tehran City Council, confirmed on Sunday that the plan had been dropped and that they would look for an alternative location to honor Sinwar.

This backlash reflects a growing divide between Iran’s hardline leadership and its people, many of whom resent the regime’s financial and military support for Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups.

During past protests, Iranians have openly chanted against their government’s foreign policy, declaring:

The failed renaming attempt suggests that, despite the Iranian regime’s unwavering support for Hamas, many Iranians do not share that enthusiasm and certainly do not want their streets named after a man responsible for the murder, torture, and mutilation of 1,200 Israelis.

The Iranian people are making their voices heard, even under a repressive regime. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Middle East affairs.