Iran Protests Erupt at Universities Amid Nuclear Deal Tensions
Students across Iran engaged in anti-government protests on Saturday, February 22, 2026, marking the first large-scale demonstrations since a crackdown on previous protests last month. Clashes between demonstrators and government supporters were reported at several universities.
Demonstrations at Sharif University of Technology and Beyond
Footage verified by the BBC showed hundreds of demonstrators marching on the campus of Sharif University of Technology in Tehran. Protesters chanted slogans including “death to the dictator,” referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other anti-government sentiments. A confrontation occurred between the demonstrators and a group of pro-government supporters.
Similar peaceful sit-ins were reported at Shahid Beheshti University, likewise in Tehran. Footage from Amir Kabir University of Technology showed students shouting anti-government slogans. In Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city, students reportedly chanted “Freedom, freedom” and “Students, shout, shout for your rights.” Further demonstrations were reported in other locations, with calls for continued protests on Sunday.
Context of Previous Protests and US Involvement
The demonstrations honor those killed in mass protests that began last month, initially sparked by economic grievances but quickly expanding to broader anti-government sentiment. The scale of these protests represents the largest unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The protests are occurring against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, including increased US military presence near Iran. US President Donald Trump stated he is considering a limited military strike, amid concerns from the US and its European allies that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons development – allegations Iran denies.
Nuclear Deal Negotiations
US and Iranian officials recently met in Switzerland to discuss curbing Iran’s nuclear program. Even as progress was reported, President Trump indicated that a decision on whether a deal will be reached, or if military action will be taken, will be made within the next 10 days. Trump has previously voiced support for the demonstrators, at one point suggesting that “help is on the way.”