AUSTIN – As the United States continues its military buildup in the Middle East, droves of demonstrators gathered in Austin to call for President Trump to take action in Iran.

Iran protests in Austin

On the south steps of the Capitol, a sea of Iranian flags could be seen waving as dozens once again gathered to protest the Iranian regime. Along with the beat of drums, chants could be heard asking for President Trump to step in.

What they’re saying:

“We never thought after having lived through the dark, dark days of war that we would ever want military action against Iran,” said Maryam Abedi, who lived in Iran for part of her childhood. Her opinion on taking military action has now changed, telling FOX 7 that she sees U.S. military strikes as the only viable option to achieve change within the country.

“We’re just all feeling very helpless and hopeless and apart from actual military aid for regime change, there’s nothing else that can be done.”

Iran situation develops

This comes as indirect negotiations with the United States and Iran continue, as the White House pushes for concessions to its nuclear program. At the Board of Peace meeting in Washington on Thursday, President Trump hinted that an agreement could soon be on the horizon.

“We’re going to be making a deal. You’re going to be finding out over possibly the next ten days,” said the President.

In an effort to put extra pressure on Tehran to take part in a deal, the U.S. has heavily increased its military presence in the region. Dozens of fighter jets and warships have entered the Middle East, including the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Geral R. Ford, which passed into the Mediterranean Sea on Friday.

Some see force as only option

For some at Saturday’s demonstration, the use of force is seen as the only path forward.

“As a human being, you know. nobody, no one likes war, you know no one. But with this regime you need war, ok? You need war,” said Dariush Yazdani, a former soccer player for Iran’s international team. He now coaches in the Austin area.

“All we want is just President Trump to basically just stick to his word and help our people. Military action is the only way. Unfortunately, it’s the only way,” said Yazdani.

Worn around the necks of Saturday’s demonstrators were the pictures of those killed during Iran’s widespread crackdown on protests which swept across the country earlier this year. The Associated Press reports that death toll has reached at least 7,005, but activists fear the number may be much higher.

“I can’t even look at any of these pictures. Every time I look at them it just brings, it just brings tears,” said Ali, another demonstrator who wore the picture of a young Iranian killed in the protests. For many on Saturday, their faces were a bleak reminder there is no negotiating with Iranian officials.

“It’s not a legitimate government, they actually are a dictatorship and in every way they have tried to oppress the people of Iran. What we absolutely need right now is military aid and not negotiations. Negotiating with the Islamic Republic is only going to prolong the life of a very illegitimate regime,” Abedi told FOX 7.

Texas baseball takes on Michigan State again Saturday, looking to score a series win and a sixth consecutive victory to open the 2026 campaign. 

The Longhorns (5-0) hammered the Spartans 8-1 Friday night behind home runs from Casey Borba and Ethan Mendoza as well as an outstanding outing from starting pitcher Ruger Riojas. 

Saturday, Texas will hand the ball to lefthander Luke Harrison, who allowed two earned runs in 5⅓ innings of work against UC Davis in his first start of the season. Michigan State (2-2) will turn to righty Carter Monke as it looks to even the series up. Monke gave up two runs in four innings of work in a Spartans win over a ranked Louisville team last time out. 

Follow along with our live updates, below: 

Harrison needed just 10 pitches to get through a clean second, thanks in part to a stellar play at third base by Temo Becerra. Becerra singled in the bottom half of the frame, but that was all the offense Texas mustered. 

After Luke Harrison worked around a two-out double in the top of the frame, Aiden Robbins drove in Ethan Mendoza with a ground-ball single to give the Longhorns the early lead. 

Where: UFCU Disch-Falk Field 

TV/Radio: SEC Network+, 1300 AM 

LHP Luke Harrison (1-0, 3.38 ERA) 

RHP Carter Monke (0-0, 4.50 ERA) 

A couple of events could change how Austin residents move around this weekend. Here’s what drivers need to know in order to plan ahead.

The city of Austin’s Transportation and Public Works department alerted residents to the upcoming events on Friday.

Cupid’s Undie Run

The first event is the Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday, Feb. 21. And it’s exactly what the name would indicate: Participants nationwide get together to run a mile in their underwear for charity. The cause is raising funds to study the group of genetic conditions known as NF.

A chunk of West Avenue from 6th to 9th streets will be closed from noon until 3 p.m. Be advised that neighborhood parking restrictions will be in full effect (not to mention actively enforced) during this time. So plan ahead and use Capital Metro or the parking garage at City Hall.

Austin FC vs Minnesota

The second event that will impact traffic on Saturday is the Austin FC vs Minnesota game at Q2 Stadium from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in North Austin. The area is accessible by Capital Metro’s McKalla Station rail station and bus service as well as MetroAccess. Visitors can also use walking routes, bicycles and micromobility devices, and rideshare.

ATX Open

And, finally, women’s-only tour-level tennis tournament ATX Open kicks off on Saturday and will run through March 1. The event will close West 35th Street from Mount Bonnell west to the end of the road through March 1. Additionally, the event will close Mayfield Park until March 1.

When it comes to alternative transportation, the city recommends Capital Metro, bicycling, taking a rideshare or a scooter, or even taking one of the city’s many trails.