Iran authorities shutter cafe over alleged 'satanic' activities: local media

Published May 31, 2026 Updated May 31, 2026 01:32pm

Iranian authorities have shut down a cafe in central Tehran over allegations that it promoted “satanic” activities, AFP reports, citing local media.

The cafe, located on Tehran’s famed Valiasr street, had hosted events featuring Western-style music that “provided a setting for abnormal behaviours,” the Fars news agency reported.

The Mehr news agency said police accused patrons of engaging in “satanic movements”.

A 14-second muted video carried by Tasnim news agency showed a packed venue where performers played guitars while some customers nodded their heads in apparent rhythm with the music.

Iranian authorities have long carried out raids and arrests targeting gatherings or networks accused of promoting “satanism”, and have in the past labelled some rock and heavy metal concerts as satanist events.