A clip published by Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency on May 31, 2026, shows people enjoying music as a guitarist plays onstage at a Tehran cafe that authorities accused of satanic activities. (Screen capture: X/Tasnim)

Iranian authorities shutter Tehran cafe over alleged ‘satanic’ activities

Prime-location venue featured Western-style music that ‘provided a setting for abnormal behaviors,’ local media says; regime has long labeled rock and heavy metal as satanic

by · The Times of Israel

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian authorities have shut down a cafe in central Tehran over allegations that it promoted “satanic” activities, local media reported on Sunday.

The cafe, located on Tehran’s famed Valiasr street, had hosted events featuring Western-style music that “provided a setting for abnormal behaviors,” 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 labeled some rock and heavy metal concerts as satanist events.

The Islamic Republic has a history of targeting activities it considers contrary to Islamic values or influenced by Western cultures.