Post by : Shakul

Tehran: Fresh anti-government protests have erupted at several Iranian universities as the new academic term begins, marking a renewed wave of dissent following a deadly nationwide uprising in January 2026. Videos and reports from inside campuses show students chanting slogans against the regime and calling for freedom, even as security forces and pro-government Basij militia maintain a heavy presence.

Students at universities in Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and other cities held demonstrations over multiple days, reviving anti-regime slogans and expressing frustration with the government’s handling of political and social issues. Clips verified by international media show crowds of students at campuses such as Sharif University of Technology and the University of Tehran, with some protesters chanting phrases critical of the country’s leadership.

Several universities have shifted classes online until the end of the term amid continuing rallies, a move seen by critics as a strategy to limit large gatherings of students. Institutions such as Islamic Azad University branches and Tehran’s Allameh Tabataba’i University announced virtual courses following days of campus protests.

Security forces, including Basij paramilitary units linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have been deployed in and around campuses. Videos and eyewitness accounts describe occasional clashes between students and members of these groups, with students resisting attempts to disperse protests and demonstrating despite warnings from authorities.

Observers note that current campus unrest is closely tied to the broader protest movement that surged across Iran at the end of December 2025 and peaked in early January 2026, following widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions, political repression, and the government’s violent crackdown on demonstrators. International human rights groups and activist networks have documented high casualties and mass arrests during that period, though official figures remain disputed.

Authorities have said students have the right to protest but must respect “red lines,” including refraining from acts perceived as offensive towards national symbols and sacred values. Government spokespeople have urged students not to cross these boundaries as unrest continues.

The renewed student mobilization underscores deepening frustration among Iran’s youth, who have become a central force in nationwide calls for change. As demonstrations continue, analysts warn that tensions remain high and may serve as a barometer of broader public sentiment toward the government.

0