Iranian Government Warns Students Amid Renewed University Protests

In a statement from Tehran, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani acknowledged that students have "wounds in their hearts" and that their anger is understandable. She linked this sentiment to the aftermath of January's nationwide protests, which resulted in significant casualties. However, she firmly stated that national sanctities and the state flag remain non-negotiable principles for the authorities.

The warning follows the online circulation of videos showing students burning the current Iranian flag and raising the pre-1979 revolutionary flag featuring a lion and sun.

While officials claim readiness to listen to youth grievances, many universities remain closed over a month after the January clashes. Several institutions have shifted classes online until the end of the Iranian calendar year on March 20th.

In universities that are open, confrontations have erupted between protesters and pro-government supporters affiliated with the Basij militia of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Demonstrations were reported in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan, with students chanting "Death to the dictator," "Freedom," and slogans commemorating those killed. Pro-government groups held prayers and marches with administrative and security force support.

State media reported no campus arrests this week but confirmed that disciplinary cases have been opened against several students, with some already suspended. Many participants from January's protests, including minors, remain in detention.

A number of students have received notices banning them from entering university premises. The administration of Sharif University of Technology warned that prosecutors are handling the situation and that it cannot intervene in any arrest decisions.

The protest climate has been accompanied by cyber incidents. The Sharif University website was hacked, temporarily displaying its pre-revolutionary name on its homepage. Additionally, tens of thousands received messages referencing U.S. President Donald Trump's earlier statements about potential harsh measures against Iran if no nuclear deal is reached.

New talks between Tehran and Washington are expected soon in Geneva. Iran insists it will only discuss nuclear issues and demands sanctions relief.

Concurrently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted military drills in southern Iran, with state television broadcasting footage of drone launches and ground force exercises.

International human rights organizations continue criticizing Iranian authorities' actions. Human Rights Watch has accused Iran of mass killings and a wave of arbitrary detentions in January. In response at a UN forum, Iranian representatives labeled these accusations as politicized, claiming foreign-backed forces supported by the U.S. And Israel were behind the unrest.

The official death toll stands at 3,117 killed during January's events. Human rights groups believe the actual number could be significantly higher; precise figures remain disputed due to restricted information access within the country.