Iran’s Jewish community is facing growing persecution, intimidation, and economic pressure as the Islamic regime intensifies its crackdown following last year’s conflict and the wave of anti-government protests, according to a new investigation published by the Jewish Chronicle.

The report is based on interviews with approximately 20 Iranian Jews who spoke anonymously out of fear for their safety. Iran’s Jewish population, one of the oldest in the Middle East, is estimated at around 20,000.

Several interviewees described attacks on Jewish-owned homes and businesses. One shop owner in Tehran said his store was vandalized twice in recent months, with windows smashed and anti-Israel graffiti sprayed on the walls. Another Jewish jeweler said members of the Basij militia looted his shop, referring to the stolen gold as “war booty” and allegedly threatening his family.

Many members of the community believe the regime, unable to directly target Israel or the United States, has instead turned its anger toward Iran’s Jewish minority.

The report also describes widespread economic and political pressure. Several Jewish Iranians said they lost their jobs after being questioned by security officials. One man claimed he was pressured to post anti-Israel content on social media and, after refusing, was fired and barred from working for the country’s leading ride-hailing service.

Jewish children attending state schools reportedly face ideological coercion, including being taken to pro-regime rallies where they are forced to burn Israeli flags and chant anti-Israel slogans. One mother said her 10-year-old son was beaten by a teacher after refusing to participate enthusiastically.

The investigation also alleges that Iranian authorities monitor the online activity of Jewish citizens. Community members were reportedly warned not to follow Israeli Persian-language media or engage with certain social media content to avoid attracting the attention of intelligence agencies.

According to the report, community leaders have also come under pressure to publicly denounce Israel and express support for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Those interviewed said such statements are made under duress and do not reflect the views of many Iranian Jews.

Many members of the community told the Jewish Chronicle they fear history could repeat itself, pointing to the 1979 execution of Jewish community leader Habib Elghanian by the Islamic regime shortly after the Iranian Revolution.

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