‘Death to Khamenei’: Iranian students clash with security forces as campus unrest returns | Watch

Iran campuses erupt again; students chant ‘Death to the dictator’ weeks after crackdown

• Iranian universities see student protests, clashes with security.
• Demonstrations mark 40 days since January's deadly crackdown.
• Protests coincide with renewed US-Iran nuclear negotiations.

Did our AI summary help?

Anti-government protests resurfaced at several Iranian universities on Saturday, as students clashed with counter-protesters and security forces, marking nearly 40 days since the deadliest phase of a nationwide crackdown.

Demonstrations were reported across campuses in Tehran and Mashhad, including at Sharif University of Technology and Amirkabir University. Videos circulating online showed crowds chanting slogans such as “Death to Khamenei” and “Freedom,” while others shouted “bi sharaf,” a Farsi term meaning “disgraceful.” Some voices in the footage also appeared to urge US intervention.

However, Moneycontrol could not independently verify the videos.

THREAD: Verified videos of anti-government protests in Iran on 21 February

Protests broke out today at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, with students chanting slogans against the supreme leader. Video: @SharifiZarchi Location: https://t.co/7O3kAnsb5y@GeoConfirmedpic.twitter.com/9SArLwfbOp — Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) February 21, 2026

Protests tied to the January crackdown

The rallies coincided with memorial events for those killed during a surge in unrest on January 8 and 9, when protests peaked across the country. What began in December as demonstrations over economic hardship, including inflation and the collapse of the rial, later evolved into broader calls against Iran’s clerical leadership.

According to Iranian authorities, more than 3,100 people were killed in the unrest, including security personnel and bystanders whom officials say were targeted in “terrorist acts” backed by foreign adversaries. In contrast, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has claimed the toll exceeds 6,000 and said it is reviewing thousands of additional reported deaths.

Earlier this week, protesters revived chants to mark 40 days since the January peak in violence, a significant mourning period in Iranian tradition.

Scuffles reported on campuses

Footage geolocated to Sharif University showed large gatherings that initially appeared peaceful before tensions escalated. Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags chanted “death to the dictator,” referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside other anti-government and pro-monarchy slogans.

Reports indicated that Basij paramilitary forces, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were deployed to some campuses. Videos showed pushing and scuffles between rival groups. It remained unclear whether arrests had been made.

At Shahid Beheshti University, images showed a sit-in protest, while students in Mashhad were heard shouting “Freedom, freedom” and urging peers to “shout for your rights.” Calls for further rallies were circulating for Sunday.

Unrest unfolds amid US-Iran nuclear talks

The renewed campus demonstrations come at a time of heightened tension between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear programme.

The United States and Iran have resumed Oman-mediated negotiations aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement. However, Washington has simultaneously expanded its military presence in the region, deploying two aircraft carriers along with fighter jets and additional defence assets.

US President Donald Trump has previously threatened military action following the crackdown, but has since focused public messaging on the nuclear issue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after recent meetings in Geneva that Tehran would soon present a draft proposal, describing a diplomatic solution as achievable while criticising the US military buildup as counterproductive.

Mounting domestic and external pressure

Iranian officials maintain that the protests were fueled by foreign interference. Critics, however, argue that the unrest reflects deepening domestic frustration over economic conditions and political restrictions.

With tensions simmering at home and nuclear negotiations ongoing abroad, the renewed student protests add another layer of uncertainty for Tehran’s leadership.