Timeline
February 19, 2026 — February 22, 2026
World
Timeline: How Iranian Anti-Government Protests Reignited Over 4 Days
Following a deadly government crackdown that killed thousands during nationwide protests in January 2026, Iranian students and citizens staged renewed demonstrations in February, using traditional 40-day mourning ceremonies as a catalyst. This timeline tracks the resurgence of protests amid escalating tensions with the United States over Iran's nuclear program and mounting international pressure.
8 events · 4 days · 30 source articles
Thu, Jan 8, 2026
Major
Deadly crackdown on nationwide protests kills thousands
Mass protests erupted across Iran in late December 2025, leading to a violent government crackdown primarily on January 8-9. Iran's government announced a death toll of just over 3,000, but human rights organizations using hospital data and medical sources estimated between 30,000 and 43,000 killed during the state-imposed communications blackout. Security forces subsequently arrested at least 50,000 people nationwide.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Major
Death sentences and mass arrests reported following crackdown
Amnesty International reported that at least 30 people were facing the death penalty in connection with the protests, with death sentences already passed in eight cases. Two of those facing execution were minors at the time of arrest. The arrests targeted students, doctors, lawyers, human rights activists, and minors, with many held in unknown locations without legal counsel or family contact.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
40-day mourning ceremonies spark new protests and crackdowns
Iranians returned to the streets for traditional Shi'ite Muslim memorial processions held 40 days after deaths, mirroring tactics used during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The clerical establishment deployed security forces to cemeteries and other locations, demonstrating concern about the protests gaining momentum like those that brought down the US-backed Shah nearly five decades earlier.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Major
US-Iran nuclear talks resume amid military buildup
As protests continued, the United States and Iran engaged in Oman-mediated nuclear talks. However, US President Donald Trump simultaneously increased military pressure, threatening limited strikes and deploying two aircraft carriers, dozens of fighter jets, and air defense systems to the Gulf region. Trump warned that 'bad things' would happen if Iran failed to reach a deal within 15 days.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
Student protests erupt as universities reopen for new semester
On the first day of the new academic semester, anti-government protests broke out at multiple universities in Tehran, including Sharif University of Technology and Amirkabir University. Students chanted slogans including 'Death to Khamenei,' referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Clashes were reported between students and Basij militia members. BBC verified footage showed students marching and blocking nearby streets.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Moderate
President Pezeshkian vows Iran will not bow to pressure
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a televised speech declaring that Iran 'will not bow' to pressure from world powers amid the nuclear negotiations. His comments came as the US military buildup continued and Trump's threats escalated, with the Iranian leader calling for national unity to confront external pressure.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Protests spread to additional universities across Iran
Demonstrations expanded for a second day as universities reopened. Iran's state news agency confirmed protests at five universities in Tehran and one in Mashhad. Videos geolocated by AFP showed people chanting 'bi sharaf' (disgraceful in Farsi) at Tehran's top engineering university. Thousands of students participated in memorials for those killed in January, with many students still incarcerated after being detained during the crackdown.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Moderate
International attention grows as protests become largest since crackdown
Media outlets worldwide characterized the student demonstrations as the first large-scale anti-government protests since January's deadly crackdown. The protests occurred amid heightened regional tensions, with propaganda billboards appearing in Tehran depicting damaged US aircraft carriers and warnings in both Farsi and English. The demonstrations highlighted ongoing unrest despite the government's violent suppression attempts.
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