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Student protests erupt across Iranian universities
Students at multiple Iranian universities staged anti-government demonstrations on Saturday, marking the first large-scale rallies since last month's violent crackdown by authorities. The protests come as tensions escalate between Iran and the United States over nuclear concerns and military threats.
Campus clashes and sit-ins
Footage verified by the BBC showed hundreds of demonstrators marching at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology, many waving Iranian flags. Chants of "death to the dictator"-a direct reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-were heard alongside other anti-regime slogans. Nearby, pro-government supporters clashed with protesters, leading to scuffles.
At Shahid Beheshti University in the capital, students organized a peaceful sit-in, while at Amir Kabir University of Technology, crowds chanted against the government. In Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, students shouted, "Freedom, freedom" and "Students, shout, shout for your rights." Reports indicated additional protests in other locations, with calls for further action on Sunday.
No immediate reports of arrests
It remains unclear whether authorities detained any demonstrators during Saturday's rallies. Last month's protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, escalated into the largest demonstrations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) reported at least 6,159 deaths during that wave, including 5,804 protesters, 92 children, and 214 government-affiliated individuals. Iranian officials, however, claimed over 3,100 deaths, mostly security personnel and bystanders killed by "rioters."
US-Iran tensions escalate
The renewed protests coincide with heightened military posturing by the United States near Iran. President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential limited military strike, citing concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions-a claim Tehran denies. US and Iranian officials met in Switzerland this week, reporting progress in nuclear talks, though Trump suggested a decision on military action could come within 10 days.
Trump has previously voiced support for Iranian protesters, once promising "help is on its way." Meanwhile, exiled opposition groups are divided: some urge US intervention to topple the regime, while others oppose foreign interference. Both sides have engaged in social media disinformation campaigns to shape narratives about Iranian public sentiment.
Opposition groups split over US role
While hardline exiled factions push for US military action, other opposition groups warn against external intervention, fearing it could further destabilize the country. The conflicting agendas highlight the complexity of Iran's political landscape as protests continue.
