Iran students stage first large campus protests since January crackdown
Feb 22nd 2026
Hundreds of students at multiple universities, including Tehran's Sharif University, held anti-government demonstrations and clashed with pro-government supporters as tensions rise amid US military moves and nuclear talks.
- BBC-verified footage shows hundreds marching at Sharif University and protests were reported at other Tehran campuses and in Mashhad.
- Demonstrators chanted anti-regime slogans including "death to the dictator" and staged sit-ins at some universities.
- Scuffles occurred between anti-government students and a separate pro-government rally where people carried national flags.
- It is unclear whether any protesters were arrested and reports say demonstrations continued into Sunday.
- Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 7,015 killed during January unrest while Iranian authorities said more than 3,100 died, with each side offering different counts.
- The protests follow nationwide unrest that began in January over economic grievances and grew into the largest challenge to the government since 1979.
- The unrest comes as the US builds up forces near Iran and President Trump said he may order a limited strike while US and Iranian officials reported progress in recent nuclear talks.