The protests, which started in Tehran on 28 December 2025, and spread to many cities in Iran and Rojhilat, continue on their 53rd day. On 7–8 January, when the protests intensified, security forces reportedly used live ammunition and many protesters were killed.
On 17–18 February, 40th-day commemorations were held for those who were killed. Thousands of people visited cemeteries across Iran and Rojhilat to hold memorial ceremonies, and marches were organized in some cities. Participants carried photographs of their deceased relatives and frequently chanted slogans against Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, many families gathered in front of courthouses in various cities for their detained relatives. It was reported that families are concerned about possible rights violations in prisons and the imposition of death sentences as trials continue in the country.
Key developments during the day included the following:
As part of the 40th-day commemorations, some shopkeepers supported the call for a strike across Iran. In the city of Dehloran in Ilam province, market vendors and traders reportedly closed their shops.
A 40th-day memorial was held in Hashtgerd, Alborz province, for Mehran and Abdolali Salimi, who were killed during the January protests. Hundreds attended the ceremony, where anti-regime slogans were chanted.
In the city of Quchan, Razavi Khorasan province, Javidnam Yousef Bakhshi, who was killed on January 8, was commemorated at his grave. His mother delivered a speech emphasizing different identities and concluded with the words, “My head is held high.”
In Murmuri district of Ilam province, it was claimed that internet access was cut off and that protesters staged an action at the district police station. It was alleged that security forces used weapons, though the number of dead and injured remains unclear.
Local sources reported explosions at military ammunition and fuel depots in the city of Shahriar, Tehran province. It was also reported that shopkeepers at Tehran’s Chaharsoo Bazaar joined the strike and closed their shops.
In Abdanan, families of those detained during the protests held a “justice vigil” in front of the courthouse. A general strike continues in the city.
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