Iran Says It Will Not Yield as US Jets Mass in Region; Protests and Rights Crackdown Rise
Feb 22nd 2026
President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Iran will not submit to pressure during nuclear talks as satellite imagery shows a large US fighter jet buildup in Jordan; meanwhile student protests, death sentences for demonstrators, and a rise in arrests of Christians have intensified domestic tensions.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will not submit to pressure during nuclear talks with the United States.
- Satellite imagery and flight data show more than 60 US fighter jets at Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti air base, about three times the usual number.
- US lawmakers and administration officials have discussed planning for possible limited strikes on Iran and for joint US Israel action, according to media reports.
- Student protests resurfaced at multiple Iranian universities, with chants against the regime, clashes with security forces, and injuries reported.
- An Iranian court sentenced seven protesters to death on charges including arson and national security offenses, according to reports.
- A joint human rights report found arrests of Christians nearly doubled in 2025 versus 2024 and that courts issued harsher cumulative sentences.