Iran Students Protest for Second Day Despite State Crackdown

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by Erika Solomon, Sanam Mahoozi and Devon Lum

February 22, 2026

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Anti-government protests have erupted on university campuses across Iran’s two largest cities, Tehran and Mashhad, marking the second consecutive day of unrest despite a brutal state crackdown. Student groups and verified videos from The New York Times report that these demonstrations are part of a broader wave of dissent following January’s violent suppression of nationwide protests, which reportedly killed thousands and led to the arrest of nearly 40,000 individuals. The current protests, which began as the new academic semester started, reflect growing domestic discontent and frustration with Iran’s clerical leadership. Students have continued their demonstrations on Sunday, wearing black in mourning for those killed during earlier crackdowns. These actions signal a resurgence of antigovernment sentiment, particularly among young Iranians, who are demanding an end to the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and greater political freedoms. Amidst heightened tensions, Iran’s government has increasingly turned to repression, arresting dissenters, seizing assets of protest supporters, and restricting public expressions of opposition. However, these measures have not quashed the desire for change, as evidenced by the persistent protests on campuses. The situation underscores the deepening crisis within Iran, where clerical leaders face simultaneous challenges of managing internal unrest and navigating the threat of U.S.-Iranian conflict. These developments are significant for global audiences, as they highlight the fragile state of Iran’s domestic stability and its potential impact on international relations. The ongoing

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026