Tehran – Iranian universities have become focal points of escalating protests, met with a forceful response from armed police and security forces. The crackdown comes as students resume classes after a month of nationwide demonstrations sparked by a brutal government crackdown on earlier protests, and as indirect negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program are set to resume in Geneva. Reports indicate running battles on campuses, with authorities attempting to suppress dissent against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The protests, which began on Saturday as universities reopened, coincide with traditional mourning ceremonies held 40 days after those killed during last month’s unrest. Thousands are believed to have died in the January demonstrations, making this a particularly sensitive time for the regime. Students are voicing grievances over the government’s policies and demanding greater freedoms, although also calling for the restoration of the monarchy. The situation is further complicated by ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel.
On Monday, armed police flooded campuses in an attempt to quell the fourth day of student protests. Videos circulating online present clashes between students and the Basij, a state-backed militia often used to suppress dissent. Pick-up trucks equipped with machine guns were reportedly stationed outside the University of Tehran, and demonstrations were also reported in Mashhad, according to The Guardian. Nearly 80% of Iranian universities are already conducting classes virtually, a measure widely seen as an attempt to limit opportunities for students to gather and protest.
Students at the University of Art in Tehran were recorded chanting slogans including “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.” Protesters have also reportedly directed insults towards the Basij militia and made disparaging remarks about the personal life of Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Government Response and Calls for Retribution
Iran’s Attorney General, Mohammad Mohebi Azad, issued a strong statement on Tuesday demanding swift retribution against the protesters. He stated that “responsible agencies must quickly identify the related elements and take decisive and legal action against them,” adding that attempts to “inflame the domestic atmosphere” are guided by external enemies, according to reports.
The escalating unrest is occurring against the backdrop of crucial nuclear negotiations set to take place in Geneva on Thursday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will participate in the talks, mediated by Oman. The success of these negotiations hinges on whether the U.S. Will allow Iran a limited right to enrich uranium for medical purposes, a compromise that could avert a potential conflict.
U.S. Military Posture and Rhetoric
The negotiations are taking place as the United States continues to build its military presence in the region. Former President 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 warned that failure to reach a deal would be “a very bad day for that country and unfortunately for its people,” a statement interpreted by some within Iran as an acknowledgement that an attack would harm the Iranian population.
Political analyst Ali Hashem, an associate research fellow at the Center for Islamic and West Asian Studies, Royal Holloway College, noted a shift in rhetoric from Supreme Leader Khamenei. Khamenei is now employing language rooted in the Shia narrative of Karbala, emphasizing resistance and martyrdom over compromise. Hashem explained that this framing challenges the U.S.’s approach of proportionate response and coercive diplomacy.
A student affiliated with the IRGC’s Basij militia on Monday climbed a …
@masih.alinejad
A student affiliated with the IRGC’s Basij militia on Monday climbed a wall at Tehran’s Sharif (Aryamehr) University of Technology to remove two rats hung by protesters as a symbol of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s corruption and tyranny. 🐀🐀 #MahsaAmini #IranRevolution
17 hours ago
Casualty Figures and Human Rights Concerns
The extent of the casualties from the January protests remains a point of contention. The Washington-based human rights organization HRANA has published a report, titled “Red Winter,” detailing the identities of 7,070 individuals confirmed to have died during the unrest. However, the Iranian president’s office reports a lower figure of 3,117 deaths, attributing a discrepancy of 131 to issues with identifying and registering victims.
As the situation continues to unfold, the potential for further escalation remains high. The combination of widespread protests, a firm government response, and high-stakes nuclear negotiations creates a volatile environment. The coming days will be critical in determining whether a diplomatic solution can be reached or if tensions will continue to escalate, potentially leading to further conflict.
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