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Students Stand Up in Tehran While U. S. Eyes Escalation

Tehran, IranMonday, February 23, 2026
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In Tehran, a new wave of student protests has begun to unfold after the government’s harsh crackdown earlier this year. For three consecutive days, students at major universities have taken to the streets, chanting slogans and demanding change.

  • Tehran University – Voices rose against the regime’s policies.
  • Al‑Zahra University – Women burned their national flags.
  • Amir Kabir University – Clashes erupted, with videos circulating online showing students shouting phrases like “we will reclaim Iran.”

The unrest comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The United States has started removing non‑essential staff and families from its embassy in Beirut, signaling a heightened state of alert. President Donald Trump warned that “really bad things will happen” if diplomatic talks fail, and he has repeatedly called for Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, curb missile development, and stop backing proxy groups across the region.

Inside Iran

  • Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei faces the biggest challenge of his 36‑year rule, with an economy weakened by sanctions and a population increasingly dissatisfied.
  • President Masoud Pahlavi said that talks with Washington have shown “encouraging signals,” even as a U.S. aircraft carrier approaches the region.

Washington’s Dilemma

  • A senior official noted that no unified decision has been made on striking Iran, and Trump’s plans for a potential attack have not been fully outlined.
  • The U.S. maintains a cautious stance while Iran must decide how to respond to external pressures and manage internal dissent.

The Situation Remains Fluid

Students continue to demand reform, the U.S. maintains a cautious stance, and Iran’s future hinges on both diplomatic negotiations and domestic stability.

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