Political Protests 2026: Memorials, Anti-Government Movements, and the Future of Political Landscape
The Rise of Anti-Government Protests (2023-2026)
The anti-government protests that have gripped Iran since 2023 are amongst the most sustained and widespread in recent history. Triggered initially by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022—a young woman detained by morality police for violating dress codes—these protests quickly expanded into a broader movement demanding political reform, civil liberties, and an end to authoritarian rule.
Economic issues—rampant inflation, unemployment, and declining living standards—have fueled public dissatisfaction. The Iranian government’s failure to address these grievances, coupled with widespread repression, has led to continuous protests, often met with violent suppression by security forces.
By 2026, the protest movement has evolved into a protracted civil struggle, with millions of Iranians participating in demonstrations, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience across cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad. These protests symbolize a demand for fundamental change in Iran’s governance structure.
February 17, 2026 | 9:57 pm
