Iran Students Protests Break Out Again
- Feb 22
- 2 min read
🇮🇷 Iran: Student Protests – Key Facts (February 2026)
📍 Protests Overview
Students at multiple universities across Iran staged anti-government protests.
These are the first large-scale student demonstrations since the deadly government crackdown in January 2026.
Protests began on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Demonstrations were reported to be continuing on Sunday.
🏫 Locations of Protests
Tehran
Sharif University of Technology
Hundreds of students marched peacefully at the start of the new semester.
Protesters chanted anti-government slogans, including "Death to the dictator," referring to Ali Khamenei.
Pro-government supporters gathered nearby carrying Iranian flags.
Physical scuffles later broke out between the two groups.
Shahid Beheshti University
Students held a peaceful sit-in protest.
Amir Kabir University of Technology
Verified footage showed students chanting against the government.
Mashhad (North-East Iran)
Protests reported in Iran’s second-largest city.
Students chanted:
“Freedom, freedom”
“Students, shout, shout for your rights”
🎥 Verification
The BBC verified:
Footage of marches at Sharif University.
Scuffles between protesters and government supporters.
Sit-in protest at Shahid Beheshti University.
Anti-government chants at Amir Kabir University.
🚨 Arrests
No confirmed reports yet on whether demonstrators were arrested.
🕯 January 2026 Crackdown
Protests in January began over economic grievances.
They escalated into the largest unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Casualty Figures
US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported:
7,015 confirmed deaths:
6,508 protesters
226 children
214 individuals affiliated with the government
11,744 additional reported deaths under investigation
Figures last updated 15 February 2026
Iranian authorities reported:
Over 3,100 deaths
Majority described as security personnel or bystanders killed by “rioters”
🇺🇸 US–Iran Tensions
The United States has increased its military presence near Iran.
President Donald Trump stated:
He is considering a limited military strike.
A decision on a potential deal or military action could come within “10 days.”
The US and European allies suspect Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
🤝 Diplomatic Talks
US and Iranian officials met in Switzerland on Tuesday.
Both sides said progress was made in discussions to curb Iran’s nuclear programme.
Despite this, the US president warned of severe consequences if a deal is not reached.
US envoy Steve Witkoff said:
Trump questioned why Iran had not “capitulated” under US pressure.
The president believes he has multiple alternatives if diplomacy fails.
🗳 Opposition Reactions
Exiled opposition groups:
Some are calling for US military action to topple the government.
Others oppose foreign intervention.
Rival factions have engaged in social media disinformation campaigns to shape narratives about what Iranians want.
🔎 Context
The protests occur amid:
Ongoing domestic unrest.
Heightened risk of military conflict with the United States.
Continued international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear programme.
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