Campus clashes erupt amid nuclear talks and rising global pressure
February 22, 2026: Students at major universities in Iran staged fresh protests on Saturday, clashing with counter-demonstrators and chanting anti-government slogans. Videos circulating online showed gatherings in Tehran and Mashhad, including scenes at Sharif University of Technology, where students were heard shouting slogans against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.
The demonstrations follow a wave of unrest last month that reportedly triggered a harsh government crackdown. Human rights groups have cited high casualty figures, while authorities maintain that the violence stemmed from “terrorist acts” backed by foreign adversaries. The renewed campus protests come as tensions remain high over economic grievances and political freedoms.
The unrest coincides with ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Former US President Donald Trump had earlier threatened military action, while recent Oman-mediated talks signal diplomatic engagement alongside increased US military deployments in the region. Analysts say the parallel tracks of protest and diplomacy underscore a volatile moment for Iran’s domestic and international landscape.