2026/02/17Reza Pahlavi Marks the 40th Day: Calls Fallen “Kavehs,” Urges Nationwide Memorial Participation
Prince Reza Pahlavi said the 40th day since the “eternalization of Iran’s bravest children” has arrived, describing the fallen as “Kavehs” in a post on X . He called on Iranians to attend memorial and commemorative ceremonies and to honor what he described as the victims’ courage and sacrifice . He also emphasized unity and determination, saying Iranians will move forward together with “hearts tightened” and confidence in victory—reiterating his political goal of ending Ali Khamenei’s rule and the current governing system.
2026/02/17Tehran’s Manouchehri Street Shopkeepers Reportedly Join Strike for 40th-Day Memorials
Reports say shopkeepers on Manouchehri Street in Tehran closed their businesses in a strike timed with the 40th-day commemorations for those killed in the “Iranian National Revolution,” describing the action as a gesture of respect for the victims. The reported shutdown comes amid broader calls and signs of commercial stoppages and memorial-linked gatherings in parts of Tehran and other cities.
2026/02/17Khamenei to Trump: “You Still Can’t Destroy Us”—And Carriers Can Be Sent “To the Seabed”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei pushed back against U.S. military messaging as “40th-day” memorials for protest victims near, arguing that “more dangerous than an aircraft carrier is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea.” Referring to Donald Trump’s remarks about America’s military strength, Khamenei said Trump had effectively admitted the U.S. has failed for 47 years to eliminate the Islamic Republic—adding: “I say you won’t be able to do it either.”
2026/02/17Geneva Round Two Begins: Oman Says Talks Aim for a Deal That “Meets Both Sides’ Goals”
Oman’s state media said the second round of indirect U.S.–Iran talks has begun in Geneva at Oman’s embassy/consulate , with Muscat again serving as the mediator. According to the Omani readout cited by Iranian outlets, the talks are framed as part of efforts to find solutions leading to an agreement that satisfies the objectives and demands of both parties . Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said this round has moved into a more technical phase , noting the U.S. side had already held meetings with Oman’s foreign minister and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi ahead of the session.
2026/02/17Iran Judiciary Says 8,843 Indictments Issued as Push for Faster Prosecutions Intensifies
Iran’s judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said that 8,843 indictments have been issued so far in cases tied to the arrests of protesters during the “ Iranian National Revolution .” His comments came a day after judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei urged officials not to delay indictments for what he called the “ main elements of the unrest ,” saying the public expects swift trials and punishments . Ejei also warned that investigations and documentation may take longer in some cases because the alleged activities can be multi-layered . Reports say tens of thousands were detained during the unrest, and that arrests are still ongoing .
2026/02/17Persepolis CEO to Players: “If You’re Not Mentally OK, Leave” — Club Tightens the Screws
Persepolis CEO Peyman Haddadi sparked backlash after telling players on a TV program that anyone who feels mentally unfit and can’t help the team should “go” , adding the club won’t keep anyone by force . The remarks come as the club’s leadership escalates internal pressure: after losses to Malavan and Gol Gohar , Persepolis issued a letter imposing a 20% penalty and stating that any player or staff member lacking the focus and mental calm to continue can settle and leave . Captain Soroush Rafiei had previously described playing football amid societal turmoil as hollow—saying when people feel bad, matches in empty stadiums have no joy or quality, “but we’re forced to play.” Iran International also noted Persepolis’ sharp dip in form since the crackdown period: 4 losses in 6 games and just 6 points from 18 , a first for the club in a decade by that metric.
2026/02/16Pezeshkian Government Calls for State-Led “40th Day” Ceremony as Families Mark Protest Dead
Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian government has invited the public to attend a state-organized event on Tuesday, 28 Bahman (February 17, 2026) —a move described as an attempt to appropriate the 40th-day memorials for those killed in the Dey 1404 protests. The Islamic Republic has previously sought to recast people killed by state forces as Basij members or “martyrs,” but this is described as the first official effort to directly take over the “40th day” commemorations of victims of popular protests through a formal government-backed ceremony.
2026/02/16Abdanan Protests Start Early Ahead of “40th Day” Memorials
Reports say protests have begun in Abdanan on Monday night (27 Bahman) , with residents taking to the streets a day before Tuesday’s planned 40th-day memorial ceremonies for several people killed in the city. The early turnout suggests tensions are rising ahead of the commemorations, which often become a flashpoint for renewed mobilization.
2026/02/16Summoned, Then Jailed: Monarchist Journalist Kianoush Darvishi Sent to Tehran Greater Prison
Iran International reported that Kianoush Darvishi , described as a monarchist journalist , was arrested on Monday after being summoned to the prosecutor’s office and then transferred to Tehran Greater Prison . Sources close to the family said he is the sole caregiver for his mother, who reportedly has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy .
2026/02/16Dragnet After the Bloodshed: Reports Say Iran Is Running a Nationwide Campaign to Identify Protesters
More than a month after a violent crackdown on nationwide demonstrations, targeted arrests are still spreading across Iran, with reports describing a coordinated, countrywide effort by security bodies to track, identify, and detain suspected protesters. Recent reporting describes a mix of tactics— surveillance footage , raids, and digital monitoring —with many detainees reportedly held incommunicado and families struggling to obtain basic information amid restrictions on communication and reporting.
2026/02/16Iran U-23 Coach Quietly Ousted After Political Fallout, Reports Say
Iran’s U-23 head coach Omid Ravankhah has been removed from his post “without fanfare,” according to Varzesh3 , which reported football federation officials are already consulting on a replacement after the team’s early elimination and poor tournament output. Iran International linked the move to Ravankhah’s public support for the “Iranian National Revolution” on the sidelines of the Asian tournament, after which he was briefly detained upon return to Tehran and had his passport confiscated , according to the outlet’s earlier reporting. Ravankhah’s remarks—delivered in a post-match presser—were widely circulated, including the line: “It’s my social duty to stand with my people… even if it has consequences.”
2026/02/16Alhurra: Tehran Recruiting Volunteers via Iraqi Proxies for a Possible U.S.–Israel War
Alhurra reported that Iran is continuing to arm Iraqi armed groups and that those factions are still recruiting volunteers in preparation for a potential confrontation with the United States and Israel . The report points to public displays of missile capabilities and renewed mobilization efforts as indicators of an Iranian plan to activate armed Iraqi proxies as a forward line of pressure if tensions escalate. Other regional reporting in recent weeks has also described Iraqi factions registering volunteers to fight alongside Iran in the event of a wider conflict.
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