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Iranian University Students Launch Nationwide Protests as U.S. Warships Arrive

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Student protests resurge across major Iranian campuses Hundreds of demonstrators marched at Sharif University of Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, Amir Kabir University of Technology and Mashhad University on Feb 22, chanting “death to the dictator” and “death to Khamenei” while honoring victims of the Jan 8‑9 crackdown [1][2][3]. Verified footage shows coordinated sit‑ins and rallies, marking the first large‑scale university mobilization since the deadly January repression [1]. The protests spread to additional institutions in Tehran and the northeast, with students invoking exiled heir Reza Pahlavi in some chants [2].

Demonstrations align with 40‑day mourning ceremonies The rallies coincided with chehelom observances marking forty days since the Jan 8‑9 killings, a tradition that drew hundreds of mourners in cities such as Abdanan, Mashhad and Tehran [2][4][6][7]. Participants shouted “death to Khamenei” and “death to America” while recalling the thousands killed in the crackdown [4][7]. Rights groups reported that the memorials amplified the anti‑government sentiment and served as a catalyst for the renewed campus actions [2][6].

Clashes produce injuries and gunfire Confrontations erupted between protesters and pro‑government groups, including rock‑throwing that injured a Basij volunteer at Sharif University, according to state‑affiliated SNN [2]. In Abdanan cemetery, a security official opened fire on mourners, discharging two shots from an armored vehicle and causing panic [7]. Iranian state media claimed the gatherings were peaceful, contradicting verified video evidence of the violence [7][3].

U.S. military posture intensifies near Iran The United States deployed the carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and three destroyers to the Mediterranean, creating a rare two‑carrier presence in the region alongside an existing carrier [3][1][5][6]. President Donald Trump signaled a possible limited strike within ten days, with advisers estimating a 90 % chance of action in the coming weeks [1][5][6]. Simultaneously, Iran conducted joint naval drills with Russia and accelerated fortifications at nuclear sites such as Taleghan 2, underscoring heightened strategic tension [3][6].

Death‑toll estimates reveal stark discrepancy The Human Rights Activists News Agency tallied at least 7,015 deaths—including 6,508 protesters, 226 children and 214 security personnel—since the January unrest [1][7]. Iranian authorities reported a lower figure of roughly 3,100 deaths, primarily describing the victims as security forces or bystanders [1][4]. The divergent counts highlight the scale of the crackdown and the difficulty of independent verification amid ongoing unrest [1][4][7].

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Quinnipac: Voters 51 – 42 Percent Oppose U.S. Joining Israel In Military Strikes On Iran’S Nuclear Sites, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Vast Majority Concerned U.S. Will Get Drawn Into A War With Iran

Published (5 tables/charts)

  • 21. Thinking about the relationship between the United States and Israel, do you think the U.S. is too supportive of Israel, not supportive enough of Israel, or is the U.S. support of Israel about right?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Too supportive 42% 15% 63% 47% 42% 42%
    Not enough 5 6 3 9 3 7
    About right 45 75 21 38 49 40
    DK/NA 8 4 13 5 5 10
    Source

  • 22. Do you support or oppose Israel's military strikes against nuclear and military sites inside Iran?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Support 50% 80% 25% 46% 54% 46%
    Oppose 40 15 60 45 35 45
    DK/NA 10 5 15 9 11 9
    Source

  • 23. Do you support or oppose the United States joining Israel in military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Support 42% 81% 15% 35% 47% 38%
    Oppose 51 15 75 60 48 53
    DK/NA 7 4 10 5 5 8
    Source

  • 24. Do you think U.S. military strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program would make Americans safer or less safe?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Safer 42% 80% 13% 35% 50% 35%
    Less safe 50 14 76 58 44 55
    DK/NA 8 6 11 7 7 9
    Source

  • 25. How concerned are you about the possibility that the United States will get drawn into a war with Iran; very concerned, somewhat concerned, not so concerned, or not concerned at all?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very concerned 44% 19% 68% 47% 33% 53%
    Somewhat concerned 34 43 29 32 37 31
    Not so concerned 13 20 2 14 15 11
    Not concerned at all 9 17 1 7 13 5
    Source

Quinnipac: 7 Out Of 10 Voters Do Not Want The U.S. To Take Military Action Against Iran For Killing Of Protesters, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; 70% Say Presidents Should Seek Congressional Approval Before Taking Military Action Against Another Country

Published (30 tables/charts)

  • 1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 40% 88% 3% 33% 49% 33% 49%
    Disapprove 54 8 94 59 45 61 44
    DK/NA 6 4 3 8 7 6 7
    Source

  • 1a. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president? COMBINED WITH: (If approve/disapprove q1) Do you strongly or somewhat approve/disapprove?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve strongly 31% 72% 2% 21% 36% 26% 39%
    Approve smwht 9 15 1 11 11 7 10
    Disapprove smwht 4 3 1 8 6 3 5
    Disapprove strongly 48 5 93 50 37 57 39
    DK/NA 8 4 3 10 9 7 7
    Source

  • 2. Do you think things in the United States are generally going in the right direction or the wrong direction?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Right direction 38% 79% 5% 33% 44% 32% 47%
    Wrong direction 56 16 93 60 49 63 43
    DK/NA 6 5 2 7 7 5 10
    Source

  • 3. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Marco Rubio is handling his job as Secretary of State?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 42% 83% 7% 37% 52% 33% 50%
    Disapprove 45 8 81 48 37 52 41
    DK/NA 13 10 12 15 11 15 9
    Source

  • 5. Do you approve or disapprove of the way J.D. Vance is handling his job as vice president?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 41% 88% 3% 35% 49% 35% 53%
    Disapprove 49 7 87 54 41 56 40
    DK/NA 9 5 9 12 10 9 7
    Source

  • 6. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Stephen Miller is handling his job as White House Deputy Chief of Staff?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 34% 73% 5% 26% 38% 30% 40%
    Disapprove 44 8 77 48 41 46 37
    DK/NA 23 19 18 25 20 24 23
    Source

  • 7. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Susie Wiles is handling her job as White House Chief of Staff?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 35% 70% 8% 29% 41% 31% 41%
    Disapprove 40 8 74 39 34 45 35
    DK/NA 25 22 18 31 26 24 24
    Source

  • 8. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is handling his job as Secretary of Health and Human Services?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 39% 80% 4% 34% 46% 33% 48%
    Disapprove 50 12 86 54 43 57 44
    DK/NA 10 7 10 11 10 10 8
    Source

  • 9. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Pete Hegseth is handling his job as Secretary of Defense?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 40% 82% 7% 34% 48% 33% 46%
    Disapprove 49 9 84 54 43 53 41
    DK/NA 11 9 8 12 9 14 13
    Source

  • 10. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - the economy?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 42% 89% 3% 38% 52% 35% 49%
    Disapprove 53 9 95 55 42 61 44
    DK/NA 5 2 2 7 6 4 7
    Source

  • 11. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - foreign policy?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 41% 87% 3% 34% 50% 33% 50%
    Disapprove 56 9 94 62 47 63 46
    DK/NA 3 4 2 3 3 4 4
    Source

  • 12. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - U.S. policy toward Venezuela?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 41% 83% 4% 38% 52% 33% 53%
    Disapprove 52 10 89 57 42 60 44
    DK/NA 6 7 7 5 6 7 3
    Source

  • 13. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Approve 43% 89% 4% 38% 53% 35% 53%
    Disapprove 53 9 95 58 43 62 42
    DK/NA 3 3 2 4 3 4 6
    Source

  • 14. Under Donald Trump, do you think America's leadership in the world has gotten stronger, gotten weaker, or remained about the same?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Stronger 42% 83% 4% 39% 52% 34% 53%
    Weaker 46 8 83 50 36 55 40
    The same 10 8 11 10 11 10 6
    Source

  • 15. Under Donald Trump, do you think America's moral authority in the world has gotten stronger, gotten weaker, or remained about the same?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Stronger 34% 71% 3% 27% 43% 26% 41%
    Weaker 50 11 86 54 40 58 44
    The same 13 16 8 16 13 13 13
    DK/NA 3 3 4 3 4 3 2
    Source

  • 16. How closely have you been following news about U.S. actions in Venezuela; very closely, somewhat closely, or not too closely?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Very closely 49% 56% 40% 51% 53% 45% 58%
    Somewhat closely 38 31 45 36 36 39 33
    Not too closely 13 13 15 13 10 16 9
    Source

  • 17. Do you support or oppose the Trump administration's decision to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and bring them to the United States to face drug trafficking charges?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Support 47% 85% 11% 45% 58% 38% 55%
    Oppose 45 7 79 47 35 52 39
    DK/NA 8 7 11 7 7 10 6
    Source

  • 18. Do you support or oppose the United States running Venezuela until it is satisfied that the government there will operate the way the U.S. wants it to?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Support 35% 69% 4% 34% 46% 26% 42%
    Oppose 57 19 88 60 48 64 49
    DK/NA 8 11 7 6 6 10 9
    Source

  • 19. Do you think the Trump administration is providing a clear explanation of the reasons behind the United States' actions against Venezuela, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Yes/Clear 41% 76% 11% 35% 50% 34% 47%
    No 53 17 82 60 45 60 48
    DK/NA 6 7 6 5 5 6 5
    Source

  • 20. Do you support or oppose the U.S. taking over Venezuela's oil sales?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Support 38% 76% 7% 31% 47% 30% 46%
    Oppose 55 13 90 62 47 62 49
    DK/NA 7 10 4 7 6 7 6
    Source

  • 21. Do you think the U.S. actions in Venezuela will improve the lives of everyday Venezuelans, or don't you think so?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Yes/Improve 45% 86% 7% 40% 55% 36% 55%
    No 44 7 81 46 33 54 39
    DK/NA 11 6 13 14 11 10 6
    Source

  • 22. Would you support or oppose the United States sending ground troops into Venezuela in order to control the country?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Support 21% 47% 3% 16% 27% 17% 22%
    Oppose 73 45 92 80 67 77 71
    DK/NA 6 7 5 4 7 6 7
    Source

  • 23. Would you support or oppose the United States taking military action to attack suspected illegal drug facilities in Mexico, if this meant acting without the permission of the Mexican government?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Support 37% 74% 11% 30% 48% 29% 38%
    Oppose 57 20 85 66 47 65 54
    DK/NA 5 5 4 5 5 5 8
    Source

  • 24. Would you support or oppose the United States taking military action to attack suspected illegal drug facilities in Colombia, if this meant acting without the permission of the Colombian government?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Support 36% 72% 8% 31% 48% 27% 39%
    Oppose 55 17 87 62 46 63 52
    DK/NA 9 11 5 7 7 10 9
    Source

  • 25. Would you support or oppose the United States trying to buy Greenland?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Support 37% 67% 9% 36% 50% 26% 40%
    Oppose 55 22 85 58 42 66 51
    DK/NA 8 12 5 6 8 8 9
    Source

  • 26. Would you support or oppose the United States trying to take Greenland by military force?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Support 9% 23% 1% 3% 11% 7% 11%
    Oppose 86 68 95 94 84 87 83
    DK/NA 6 9 4 3 5 7 6
    Source

  • 27. If protesters in Iran are killed while demonstrating against the Iranian government, do you think the United States should take military action against Iran, or should the U.S. not get involved?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Should 18% 35% 7% 11% 23% 14% 20%
    Should not 70 53 79 80 66 73 70
    DK/NA 12 12 14 9 11 13 10
    Source

  • 28. In general, if a president decides to take military action against another country, do you think they should first receive approval from Congress, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Yes/Should 70% 35% 95% 78% 63% 75% 66%
    No 24 54 2 18 28 22 30
    DK/NA 6 10 3 4 9 3 4
    Source

  • 29. In general, do you think the United States should: work with other nations to solve problems or work alone to solve problems?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Work with others 88% 81% 96% 89% 82% 92% 90%
    Work alone 7 13 3 6 12 3 4
    DK/NA 5 6 2 5 6 4 6
    Source

  • 30. Do you think it's in the national interest of the United States to expand its power in the western hemisphere, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Mltry Hshld
    Yes/Natl interest 38% 67% 14% 34% 53% 25% 43%
    No 52 24 76 58 38 64 48
    DK/NA 10 9 11 8 9 11 9
    Source

Timeline

Dec 28, 2025 – Demonstrations erupt in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over a collapsing rial and inflation, quickly spreading to dozens of cities and marking the largest anti‑government uprising since the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests; analysts link the unrest to the June 2025 12‑day war with Israel and renewed sanctions [24].

Jan 4, 2026 – The Iranian government announces a universal monthly cash allowance equal to roughly 3.5 % of the average wage, framing it as a response to protesters’ economic grievances while maintaining a hard line on dissent [25].

Jan 5, 2026 – Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei orders prosecutors nationwide to show “no leniency” toward rioters, emphasizing the regime’s resolve as protests reach 25 provinces and 45 cities [25].

Jan 6, 2026 – An ISW‑based map records 369 protests in 28 provinces since Dec 28, confirming the nationwide scale and noting at least four towns where security forces fire on demonstrators [24].

Jan 8‑9, 2026 – Authorities impose a near‑total internet and telephone blackout across Iran, a tactic aimed at curbing reporting of the protests that have now spread to over 100 cities [22][27].

Jan 9, 2026 – State TV blames “terrorist agents” from the United States and Israel for protest‑related fires, while death toll estimates rise to at least 39 and detentions exceed 2,260 [21].

Jan 9, 2026 – Iran’s UN ambassador accuses President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu of inciting violence, claiming their rhetoric could turn peaceful demonstrations into disorder [20].

Jan 9, 2026 – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labels protesters “vandals” seeking U.S. support and files a UN Security Council letter blaming Washington for the unrest [19].

Jan 10, 2026 – Khamenei reiterates that demonstrators aim to please Trump, while Iran’s judiciary chief vows decisive, maximum punishments for protesters; death toll climbs to at least 65 amid a deepening internet shutdown [18].

Jan 11, 2026 – The exiled PMOI/MEK declares Iran ready for democracy, noting HRANA’s tally of 116 killed and 2,600 detained, and urges the establishment of a democratic republic [17].

Jan 12, 2026 – President Trump tells the BBC the U.S. military is weighing “very strong options” in response to the protests, while discussing satellite‑based internet restoration with Elon Musk [16].

Jan 13, 2026 – Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly states Israel is monitoring the Iranian protests and supports the demonstrators, while Israel’s leadership remains silent on direct action [14].

Jan 13, 2026 – Trump hints at renewed military intervention, warning of “very strong action” if detained protesters are harmed and posting “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” on Truth Social [13].

Jan 13, 2026 – HRANA reports 512 protesters and 134 security personnel killed as protests reach 187 cities; exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi gains visible support [15].

Jan 14, 2026 – Trump claims executions in Iran have stopped, while Tehran promises rapid trials and decisive punishments for detainees [12].

Jan 15, 2026 – Trump says Iran has no plan for executions, cites “good authority” that killings have ceased, and orders some U.S. personnel to leave Qatar’s Al‑Udeid base; HRANA’s death toll exceeds 2,400 amid an ongoing internet blackout [11].

Jan 18, 2026 – A security official opens fire from an armoured vehicle on mourners at a 40‑day commemoration cemetery in Abdanan, killing no one but causing panic; chants include “death to America” and “death to Khamenei” [2].

Jan 20, 2026 – Diaspora Iranians describe the crackdown’s human toll and economic collapse, urging sustained international pressure while warning that broad military strikes could backfire [10].

Feb 18, 2026 – Security forces again fire on mourners during 40‑day remembrance ceremonies in multiple cities, reinforcing the regime’s willingness to use lethal force against commemorations [2].

Feb 19, 2026 – A senior Trump adviser tells Axios there is a 90 percent chance of a U.S. strike within weeks, citing stalled nuclear talks; the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group moves into the region [29].

Feb 21, 2026 – Iranian university students march at Sharif University chanting “death to the dictator,” the first such slogans since the January crackdown; the U.S. deploys the USS Gerald R. Ford and three destroyers to the Mediterranean, creating a rare two‑carrier presence [30].

Feb 22, 2026 – Students at Sharif, Beheshti, Amir Kabir, and Mashhad universities resume large‑scale anti‑government protests, chanting against Supreme Leader Khamenei and honoring the thousands killed in the January crackdown [1][6].

Feb 22, 2026 – The United States builds a heightened military presence near Iran, with President Trump saying a decision on a limited strike will be known “over the next, probably, 10 days,” signaling an imminent policy choice [1].

Early Mar 2026 (expected) – Trump is slated to announce within ten days whether the U.S. will pursue a limited strike or a broader diplomatic deal, following the February buildup and the adviser’s warning of imminent action [1].

Mar 1, 2026 (expected) – The United States threatens to cut aid to Iraq if former Prime Minister Nouri al‑Maliki assumes office, setting a deadline that could affect regional dynamics amid the Iran crisis [29].

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