Widespread school closures across Iran on 18 February marked the fortieth day since the January massacre, as students, teachers and families honoured the memory of at least 230 children killed by the regime. Despite threats and pressure from authorities, secondary schools in Tehran and many other cities were effectively shut down, while universities held memorial gatherings chanting for freedom and against dictatorship. Alongside mass commemorations and renewed calls for the release of detained children and political prisoners, these actions show that society’s anger has not subsided — it is organising, united, and determined to hold the regime accountable.
18 February 2026: Widespread School Closures in Commemoration of the Children and Victims of January
Reports from today, 18 February 2026, indicate widespread school closures across numerous cities in response to the call issued by the Coordinating Council of Teachers’ Trade Associations. The closures are being held in memory of the students and teachers killed in January and in protest against the empty desks left behind. Alongside mass memorial gatherings for the January victims—particularly in universities—these closures have once again shaken society and mark a significant political development following the bloody events of January. Iran’s justice-seeking and revolutionary society is rising from under the weight of repression, stepping forward with anger and determination to bring down this murderous regime.
According to reports so far:
- In secondary schools in Districts 10, 11 and 12 of Tehran, most schools were effectively closed due to the absence of students. Authorities attempted to pressure school administrations and families to force attendance, but many students refused to return.
- Secondary schools in Shahr-e Rey, Baharestan, Pakdasht, Varamin and Eslamshahr were largely empty and effectively shut down.
- In Andisheh (Phases 1, 2 and 3), students boycotted classes in line with the Council’s call.
- Secondary schools in Izeh (Khuzestan) and Javanmard (Kermanshah province) were effectively closed due to student absence.
- In Gorgan, large numbers of students stayed home; security officials reportedly demanded lists of absent students and teachers.
- In Anzali, many students—particularly in the final year—did not attend school.
According to the Coordinating Council, school administrations had been under pressure since 16 February, with threats directed at teachers and students to prevent closures.
Universities remain a major centre of protest and justice-seeking. Today, students at the University of Tehran held a ceremony marking the fortieth day since the January killings. Yesterday, students at Shiraz University and at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad commemorated fallen classmates, chanting: “The student is awake and hates the murderer,” “For every one killed, a thousand stand behind,” “By the blood of our comrades, we stand to the end,” and “Freedom, freedom, freedom.”
Memorial ceremonies for the fortieth day continue in various cities, including large gatherings in Karaj for Mehran Salimi and Abdolali Salimi.
Over these two days, 17 and 18 February, people have taken action nationwide in multiple forms: school and workplace closures, mass memorials, protest gatherings, and public statements. Cries of “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei” have echoed widely.
In addition, 35 child-rights organisations issued a joint statement condemning the arrest of children and the violation of their fundamental rights. They demanded:
- The immediate and unconditional release of all detained children and adolescents
- An end to arrests and fabricated cases against minors
- A total ban on broadcasting forced confessions of children
- The prohibition of security forces entering schools and educational spaces
- Immediate psychological, social and educational support for affected students
- A transparent report from the Ministry of Education on victims, detainees and injured students
These demands reflect the scale of the regime’s crimes against children. At least 230 children and teenagers were killed in January. Many others remain imprisoned, and schools remain under heavy security control. This child-killing regime must be brought before international courts.
Worker-communist Party of Iran
18 February 2026
