Iran Disperses Security Command Centers Ahead of Feb. 17–18 Nationwide Protest Call

Iranian authorities are preparing for a possible wave of nationwide protests later this month, even as the United States and its allies complete a broad defensive military buildup across the Middle East, according to Western and regional reporting.

The Wall Street Journal reported that merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar are calling for nationwide demonstrations on February 17–18, marking the end of the traditional 40-day mourning period for those killed during the January 8–9 crackdown by Iranian security forces.

The report comes as Iranian authorities appear to be preparing for the possibility of simultaneous domestic unrest and external escalation, amid a period of heightened regional military readiness.

According to the Journal, police command headquarters from both Iran’s Law Enforcement Command and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been relocated in several provinces, with senior command elements moved from primary facilities into schools, mosques, and other civilian structures. The moves were described as efforts to protect leadership and preserve command continuity in the event of widespread unrest.

Additional indicators cited by the Journal suggest the protests may extend beyond traditional opposition circles. Medical students in Shiraz reportedly held a sit-in for several days this week, chanting in support of protesters who were killed and doctors arrested for treating the injured. High-school students in multiple locations have also engaged in collective acts of protest, including refusing to sing the national anthem during morning assemblies.

As Iran braces internally, the United States has continued to strengthen its regional defensive posture. In recent days, advanced missile defense systems, including THAAD and Patriot batteries, have been deployed across approximately 20 U.S. bases throughout the Middle East. Security sources say the deployments are intended to provide broad protection against potential missile or drone attacks amid rising regional tensions.

Alongside the ground-based defenses, U.S. military logistics activity has intensified. A sustained airlift of transport aircraft from the United States and Europe has been delivering personnel and equipment to American bases across the region, signaling preparations for a prolonged period of elevated readiness.

Allied forces have also joined the effort. Britain has deployed six F-35 stealth fighter jets to the region, accompanied by two aerial refueling aircraft. According to regional military assessments, the British aircraft are configured primarily for defensive missions and are intended to contribute to air defense and deterrence rather than offensive strike operations.

A regional military analysis by Shahin Modarres described the buildup as part of a broader framework designed to withstand potential Iranian retaliation in the event of escalation. The analysis identified at least 19 major U.S. bases and command centers across the Middle East, including installations in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf states. It noted that not all of these facilities previously had sufficient protection against ballistic missiles, underscoring the significance of the recent air defense deployments.

According to the assessment, the integration of missile defense systems, air assets, and logistics networks is still ongoing and requires extensive coordination. The scale of the deployment, however, reflects preparations for a volatile period ahead.