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

Iranian students staged large anti-government protests at several universities across the country on Saturday, marking the first rallies of this scale since a deadly crackdown last month. Demonstrations occurred at Sharif University of Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, and Amir Kabir University of Technology in Tehran, as well as in Mashhad. Protesters chanted anti-government slogans, including "death to the dictator," referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Scuffles broke out between protesters and pro-government supporters at Sharif University. The protests follow previous demonstrations sparked by economic grievances and coincide with ongoing international discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program.

On February 21, 2026, Iranian students resumed anti-government protests as universities reopened for the new semester. Demonstrations occurred at multiple universities, including Amirkabir University and Sharif University in Tehran, as well as universities in Mashhad and Shahid Beheshti. Students, some wearing black to mourn those killed in prior protests, chanted slogans against the government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests follow a government crackdown on a previous nationwide movement that was fueled, in part, by student activism. Reports vary, but some sources indicate clashes between opposing groups and arrests by police.

In February 2026, Iranian authorities shut down numerous privately owned businesses in Tehran following nationwide protests that began in late December. The businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and art galleries, are popular gathering spots for young Iranians. While authorities haven't specified the reasons, many of these businesses had participated in strikes or expressed online support for the protests. Notices cited violations of the country’s rules and police regulations. One businessman, Mohammad Ali Saedinia, had his businesses closed and assets confiscated after allegedly confessing to mistakenly closing his stores in support of the protests. The closures occur amidst a struggling Iranian economy and ongoing diplomatic tensions with the United States.