Iran students stage first large anti-government protests since deadly crackdown

February 22, 2026

Iranian university students have conducted the largest anti-government demonstrations since authorities violently suppressed protests last month that killed thousands of people. The BBC confirmed footage showing protesters at multiple Tehran universities, including Sharif University of Technology, chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei while clashes erupted with pro-government counter-demonstrators. These campus rallies emerged as tensions escalate between Iran and the United States over Iran's nuclear program, with President Trump threatening potential military strikes within days if negotiations fail.

Who is affected

Students at Sharif University of Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, and Amir Kabir University of Technology in Tehran
Students in Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city
At least 7,015 people killed in last month's protests, including 6,508 protesters and 226 children (according to Human Rights Activists News Agency)
Iranian authorities and pro-government supporters
Iranian security personnel (214 affiliated with government killed, according to Hrana; over 3,100 killed according to Iranian authorities' claims)
The exiled Iranian opposition and other opposition groups
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

What action is being taken

Students are staging anti-government protests, sit-ins, and rallies at multiple universities
Pro-government supporters are holding counter-rallies
The US is building up its military presence near Iran
US and Iranian officials are holding talks in Switzerland aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme
Iranian authorities are preparing for a possible war with the US
Opposing sides are involved in disinformation campaigns on social media
Hrana is investigating 11,744 more reported deaths from last month's protests

Why it matters

These protests represent the first large-scale anti-government demonstrations since last month's deadly crackdown that killed thousands, indicating continued dissent despite severe government repression. The timing is particularly significant as they occur amid escalating US-Iran tensions over nuclear weapons development, with President Trump threatening military action within approximately 10 days if negotiations fail. The protests demonstrate that domestic opposition to the Iranian government persists even as the country faces potential external military conflict, creating a complex situation where internal unrest coincides with international pressure.

What's next

President Trump will decide within approximately 10 days whether a deal will be reached with Iran or the US will take military action
Reports indicate protests may be continuing beyond the initial Saturday demonstrations
There are conflicting calls from different opposition groups regarding potential US military intervention, with some hoping for strikes to topple the government while others oppose outside intervention

Read full article from source: BBC