Fresh protests rock Iranian campuses after deadly crackdown

Students at some of Iran’s most prominent universities have resumed protests as the new semester begins, staging demonstrations and clashing with pro-government groups weeks after a deadly nationwide crackdown.

On 21 February, students gathered at Sharif University of Technology, Amir Kabir University of Technology and Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, as well as at campuses in the north eastern city of Mashhad, holding rallies that coincided with traditional 40-day mourning ceremonies for those killed in earlier unrest.

Demonstrators chanted against the leadership and confronted members of the Basij, the volunteer paramilitary force linked to the state.

Protests continued into 22 February at several campuses, with further confrontations reported between students and security personnel.

Footage circulating from Sharif University showed protesters denouncing the country’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and voicing support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former shah. Videos from Mashhad showed what was described as “violent interventions” by authorities during campus demonstrations.

Students returning as classes restarted also raised the issue of detainees held after January’s unrest, with reports that “many students remain incarcerated” following arrests during and after the earlier nationwide protests.

The campus demonstrations follow a wave of protests that began in December 2025 over economic grievances and escalated into wider political unrest.

State media have said that 3,117 people were killed during the nationwide protests and crackdown.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported a death toll of more than 7,000 and said it believes the real number could be higher. The group has also recorded more than 53,000 arrests, including hundreds of students.

Raids and detentions have continued in the weeks since the main street protests were suppressed. Human rights groups have reported that arrests linked to the demonstrations are ongoing, including among students.

Universities had only just begun a new term but gatherings quickly formed on several campuses as students assembled in courtyards and public spaces, chanting slogans and holding memorial-style rallies.

At some universities, pro-government student groups organised counter-gatherings. State media showed pro-government rallies in Tehran and depicted some protesters as infiltrators attacking other students.

The Basij has long maintained a presence in Iranian universities, operating student branches and playing a role in campus politics. During previous waves of unrest, Basij members have been deployed inside campuses alongside other security forces.

Images from this week’s protests showed heavy security around university entrances and inside grounds. In some cases, scuffles broke out between demonstrators and men identified as Basij members.

Demonstrations appeared concentrated at major public universities, which have historically been centres of student activism.

University administrations have not issued detailed public statements on the latest protests. Academic schedules at some institutions have proceeded while protests take place in parallel, creating a tense atmosphere on campuses at the start of term.

tash.mosheim@timeshighereducation.com