22.02.2026 00:40
Protests that began in Iran on December 28 in response to the economic crisis and rising living costs have turned into an anti-regime wave. The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks in the country, gained mass momentum again on their 55th day. Especially during the ceremonies held for those who lost their lives on February 17-18, street actions resumed in many cities, and students also rose up in universities.
The protests, which partially stalled due to the regime's harsh intervention starting on December 28, 2025, gained mass momentum again on the 55th day.
In particular, the ceremonies held for those who lost their lives on February 17-18 paved the way for the resumption of street actions in many cities.
CEREMONIES TURNED INTO STREET ACTIONS
As memorial ceremonies held in cemeteries across the country became more crowded, some cities witnessed large-scale protests. In particular, the actions in Abadan reached a mass scale again. In the city of Nur, located in Mazandaran province, photos of the deceased were hung at the city entrances.
UNIVERSITIES ON ALERT
Students also organized protest demonstrations at some major universities in Tehran, the capital of Iran, and in the eastern city of Mashhad. Groups gathered on campuses, chanting anti-regime slogans, while reports indicated occasional tensions with security forces.
ANTI-REGIME SLOGANS CHANTED
In videos shared on social media, it was seen that the demonstrators chanted slogans targeting the country's administration and religious leadership. It was reported that harsh expressions were used against Iran's religious leader Ali Khamenei in some protests.
Demonstrators were noted to be chanting slogans themed around "freedom" and carrying banners criticizing the current administration.
SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED ON CAMPUSES
Following the protests, it was reported that security measures around university areas were increased. Images were shared showing brief scuffles between security forces and students at some points. No official and detailed statement has been made by the authorities regarding the issue.
CALLS TO THE U.S. ALLEGATIONS
Some posts circulating on social media suggested that some protesters called for intervention from the U.S. However, these allegations have not been verified.
MORE THAN 25,000 CIVILIANS HAVE DIED
The U.S.-based HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency) announced on February 12 that 7,002 people, including 216 children, had lost their lives, and at least 25,022 civilians had been injured. It was reported that the number of those arrested due to the protests approached 53,000, and the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.
There are concerns that the wave of protests, which began with economic difficulties, may turn into a large-scale social movement again with the memorial ceremonies.