
Following devastating nationwide protests in Iran that killed thousands in January 2026, this timeline tracks the aftermath through February: mass arrests and surveillance operations, traditional mourning ceremonies that sparked new protests, international solidarity rallies, and renewed student demonstrations amid nuclear talks with the United States. The events echo tactics from Iran's 1979 revolution, where memorial services became catalysts for continued resistance.
10 events · 8 days · 30 source articles
Iranian authorities continue examining surveillance footage from nationwide demonstrations, identifying and detaining thousands of participants. Reports emerge of widespread arrests targeting those who took part in the protests that were violently crushed by security forces in January.
Iranian families release footage online commemorating loved ones killed during protests as diaspora communities prepare worldwide rallies. Amid reports of potential second-round talks, the US demands limitations on Iran's missile program and nuclear enrichment, while Iran offers only to dilute highly enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief.
Massive solidarity demonstrations occur globally, with 200,000 gathering in Munich where exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi addresses crowds, declaring readiness to lead Iran to a 'secular democratic future.' Additional rallies take place in Los Angeles, Washington, Toronto, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, Sydney, and London, as Pahlavi urges Iranians to chant slogans from rooftops at coordinated times.
Iranian authorities stage a commemoration ceremony at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla mosque, marking the 40th day since deaths during the unrest. Tehran acknowledges over 3,000 deaths, attributing violence to 'terrorist acts,' though rights groups claim far higher casualties from security forces.
Iranians gather across the country for traditional 40-day mourning ceremonies, with many shouting slogans against Supreme Leader Khamenei according to verified videos. At some ceremonies, families dance and clap in defiance while clashes break out between mourners and security forces, echoing tactics from the 1979 revolution when memorial services became protest opportunities.
Teachers across Iran conduct school strikes to protest student killings during the demonstrations. Families commemorate loved ones at Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in Tehran, marking 40 days since the nights of January 8-9 when thousands died amid an unprecedented internet and phone service shutdown.
Human rights organizations report that Iranian security forces have arrested at least 50,000 people nationwide in the month since the crackdown. Targets include students, doctors, lawyers, human rights activists, and minors, many held in unknown locations without legal counsel or family contact. Rights groups estimate actual death toll may reach 30,000-43,000, far exceeding Iran's official figure of 3,000.
Amnesty International reveals at least 30 people face the death penalty in connection with the protests, with eight death sentences already passed. Among the 22 pending cases, two defendants were minors. Amnesty accuses Iranian authorities of using capital punishment to suppress dissent, though the judiciary has not officially confirmed the sentences.
Iranian students stage the first large-scale anti-government protests since last month's deadly crackdown, coinciding with the start of the new semester. Students at Sharif University of Technology and Amirkabir University in Tehran chant 'Death to Khamenei' and scuffle with Basij militia and counter-protesters. Similar rallies are reported in Mashhad.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declares Iran will not submit to international pressure as nuclear talks continue and the US deploys two aircraft carriers and dozens of jets to the Gulf region. Speaking amid ongoing student protests and Trump's threats of limited strikes if no deal is reached within 15 days, Pezeshkian states, 'We will not bow down in the face of any of these difficulties.'