Tehran – Students at universities across Iran are continuing protests for a third consecutive day, demonstrating defiance against the government just over a month after a violent crackdown on widespread demonstrations left thousands dead. The renewed unrest unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, as Washington increases its military presence in the Middle East while simultaneously pursuing negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program.
The protests, which began in late January, reflect deep-seated frustration with the Iranian government’s economic policies, social restrictions, and its handling of previous demonstrations. Donald Trump has warned that “really bad things will happen” if a deal isn’t reached, raising the stakes in the already volatile situation. The current round of talks is scheduled to accept place in Geneva on Thursday, but the path to a resolution remains uncertain.
Campus Demonstrations and Government Response
Demonstrations on Monday spread to campuses including Al Zahra University, an all-women’s institution in Tehran, where students chanted anti-government slogans and reportedly burned and tore an Iranian flag. While the protests remained largely confined to university grounds, the displays of dissent are significant given the authorities’ efforts to suppress public expression. A Telegram channel for Iranian students, Anjmotahed, reported that a confrontation between students and the Basij, a state-backed militia, at Sharif University in Tehran resulted in several injuries and required an ambulance. Universities have reportedly sent text messages to students warning of disciplinary action for participation in the protests.
In a symbolic act of defiance, some students at various campuses climbed trees and hung toy mice from the branches, a gesture intended to ridicule Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, portraying him as hiding from public view. Chants heard on campuses included “death to the dictator,” “for every one killed, a thousand will follow,” and “the blood that has been spilled will never be washed away,” reflecting the intensity of the protesters’ anger, and grief.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
Student representatives who met with Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref over the weekend challenged the government’s narrative surrounding the January protests, rejecting claims that terrorists were responsible for the killings. “The response to the people’s protests had been given in bullets,” they reportedly told Aref, demanding accountability for the use of force against demonstrators. Mohammad Khatami, Iran’s president from 1997 to 2005, has called for the release of all those arrested in connection with the protests, stating they are accused of “nothing but despair and protest.” Khatami’s call for release marks a shift from his earlier statements, where he suggested the protests were engineered by the US and Israel.
Separately, Iranian reformists have complained of being barred from standing for election to the Tehran city council, a move that represents a broadening of political interference previously limited to parliamentary and presidential elections. This development underscores the ongoing restrictions on political participation within Iran.
Regional Tensions and Military Posturing
Ayatollah Khamenei is facing what is described as the gravest crisis of his 36-year tenure, grappling with a struggling economy burdened by international sanctions and widespread unrest. Adding to the pressure, five political parties representing Iranian Kurds have formed a coalition with the stated goal of bringing down the government, asserting that the current regime has lost legitimacy.
These internal challenges approach at a critical juncture, as Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Council Security Council, is scheduled to meet with Omani mediators in Muscat on Tuesday ahead of the nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has indicated that Iran will present proposals aimed at reassuring the US that it has no intention of developing a nuclear weapon. The US willingness to accept these proposals will largely depend on President Trump’s personal assessment, but Iran appears open to reinstating the Additional Protocol, which grants the UN nuclear weapons inspectorate enhanced access to Iranian nuclear sites.
International Diplomacy and Potential for Conflict
At the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, urged countries to prioritize diplomacy over sanctions and military intervention, warning that any outbreak of war would have regional repercussions. He stated that nations that have previously pursued sanctions and military action against Iran should “experience diplomacy and respect.”
Adding another layer of complexity, reports indicate that Iran and Russia agreed to a secret €500 million arms deal in December, involving the delivery of 500 Verba man-portable air defense systems and 2,500 9M336 missiles over three years. This agreement aims to bolster Iran’s air defenses, potentially complicating any military intervention.
The situation remains highly fluid, with the outcome of the Geneva talks and the potential for further escalation dependent on a complex interplay of domestic political pressures, regional dynamics, and the decisions of key international actors. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a diplomatic solution can be reached or if tensions will continue to escalate.
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