University students across Iran are once again doing what the regime fears most: thinking for themselves. For a third straight day, protests erupted on campuses, just weeks after security forces violently crushed nationwide demonstrations that reportedly left thousands dead. Yes, that’s the government’s idea of “dialogue.”
The unrest comes as tensions rise between Iran and the United States, with negotiations set to resume in Geneva. President Donald Trump has warned that “really bad things will happen” if Tehran refuses to make a deal. Iranian officials responded in classic fashion, vowing “ferocious” retaliation against any attack. Strong words, as usual.
Demonstrations spread Monday to multiple campuses, including Tehran’s all-women Al Zahra University. Students chanted anti-government slogans, burned and tore an Iranian flag, and refused to take their anger to the streets—likely because they know what happens there. At Sharif University, the state-backed Basij militia reportedly attacked students, leaving several injured and requiring an ambulance. Universities followed up with warning texts about “disciplinary consequences,” because nothing screams confidence like threatening college kids.
Students also mocked Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by hanging toy mice from trees, a not-so-subtle jab that he hides underground like a rodent. Chants reportedly included “death to the dictator” and “the blood that has been spilled will never be washed away.” Hard to spin that as “foreign interference.”
Representatives who met Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref rejected claims that “terrorists” caused the January unrest, saying plainly that the government answered protests with bullets. Meanwhile, media coverage inside Iran has been tightly restricted, and universities were told to ban photographed protesters from campus—because the truth is apparently dangerous.
Former President Mohammad Khatami even called for the release of detainees, a notable shift from his earlier line blaming the U.S. and Israel. Kurdish political parties have now announced a coalition aimed at bringing down the government, declaring the regime illegitimate and propped up only by a fractured opposition.
All of this comes as Iranian officials prepare for nuclear talks and promise the world—again—that they have no intention of building a bomb. At the same time, reports say Iran secretly agreed to a €500 million arms deal with Russia for thousands of advanced missiles. Because nothing says “peaceful intentions” like stocking up on weapons.
Students in Iran are showing rare courage in the face of repression, and their message is unmistakable: the regime’s grip is slipping. While Tehran clings to threats and censorship, young Iranians are demanding change—and history shows that when students rise, dictators eventually fall.
