TEHRAN – Iranian universities have become focal points of protest once again, as students across the country defy the government and demand an conclude to restrictions on personal freedoms and accountability for the violent suppression of earlier demonstrations. The protests, entering a fourth day on Saturday, are being met with an increasingly heavy response from authorities, including the deployment of armed police and clashes with pro-government militias. The unrest underscores the deep-seated discontent simmering beneath the surface in Iran, even as negotiations continue over the country’s nuclear program.
Reports from multiple universities, including the University of Science and Technology in Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, Beheshti University, Amir Kabir University and Mashhad University, detail running battles between students and members of the Basij, a volunteer militia often used to quell dissent. Videos circulating online, reportedly from the University of Art in Tehran, reveal students chanting slogans such as “We fight, we die, we take back Iran,” “Political prisoners must be freed,” and a particularly defiant “Khamenei the Zahhak [serpent king], we’ll bury you alive.” The protests over Iran’s political climate are unfolding against the backdrop of ongoing nuclear talks.
The current wave of protests coincides with the traditional 40-day mourning period for those killed during anti-government demonstrations in January, which saw thousands lose their lives in what officials have described as the worst domestic unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The exact number of fatalities remains disputed, with the Iranian president’s office reporting 3,117 deaths, while the Washington-based human rights organization HRANA claims to have identified 7,070 victims in a report titled “Red Winter.” The discrepancy, officials say, is due to inconsistencies in national ID registration. NBC News reported on the clashes and mourning ceremonies.
Escalating Confrontation on Campuses
The response from Iranian authorities has been swift and forceful. Armed police and plainclothes security forces have flooded university campuses in an attempt to suppress the demonstrations. Videos show pick-up trucks equipped with machine guns parked outside the University of Tehran, a stark visual representation of the government’s resolve. Students identified as having participated in previous protests are reportedly being barred from entering university grounds, and in-person classes have been suspended at some institutions. Approximately 80% of Iranian universities are already conducting courses virtually, a measure seen by many as a deliberate attempt to limit opportunities for students to gather and organize.
The clashes have not been limited to Tehran. Protests have also been reported in the western town of Abdanan, where demonstrators chanted “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the dictator” following the arrest of an activist teacher, according to rights group Hengaw and social media posts. The protests are taking place as the third round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program are scheduled to begin Thursday in Geneva, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special envoy Steve Witkoff in attendance.
Nuclear Talks and Domestic Pressure
The timing of the protests adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate nuclear negotiations. Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Mohebi Azad, has demanded swift retribution against the protesters, accusing “certain currents, under the guidance of the enemy” of attempting to destabilize the country during the talks. The Independent reported on the attorney general’s demand for retribution.
The indirect talks, mediated by Oman, are considered crucial, and are taking place as the U.S. Continues to build its military presence in the region. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that a war with Iran is winnable, despite reports that the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, advised against military action due to a lack of regional support and sufficient munitions. Trump has also warned that a failure to reach a deal would be “a highly bad day for that country and unfortunately for its people,” a statement that has been interpreted by some within Iran as a tacit acknowledgement that an attack would have devastating consequences for the Iranian population.
Shifting Rhetoric and Historical Context
Analysts suggest that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has shifted his rhetoric, moving away from “tactical restraint” and embracing a more confrontational stance rooted in Shia religious narratives. Ali Hashem, an associate research fellow at the Center for Islamic and West Asian Studies, Royal Holloway College, explained that Khamenei’s references to Karbala – the central Shia narrative of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom – signal a willingness to resist perceived injustice, even at the cost of life. “The idea of ‘dying standing and not living in disgrace’ challenges the US logic of proportionate response and coercive diplomacy,” Hashem said.
The protests also reflect a growing boldness among demonstrators, who have reportedly directed increasingly personal and provocative insults towards both the Basij militia and Supreme Leader Khamenei. These actions, while risky, demonstrate a deepening frustration with the current political and social climate in Iran. The protests over the state of Iran’s political climate are a continuation of unrest that began in January.
Looking Ahead
As the nuclear talks approach, the situation on the ground in Iran remains volatile. The government’s response to the student protests will likely shape the trajectory of the negotiations and could further inflame tensions both domestically and internationally. The next scheduled action is the third round of talks between Iranian and U.S. Officials in Geneva on Thursday. The outcome of these talks, and the government’s handling of the ongoing protests, will be critical in determining the future of Iran and its relationship with the world.
If you are affected by the events in Iran, or are seeking information about supporting those impacted, resources are available. You can find information and support from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
Related reading
