Iranian Students Rally in Tehran, Demand Release of Detained Peers

Student protests have reignited in Tehran, with demonstrators at two of Iran's premier technology universities openly chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Students from Amirkabir University and Sharif University gathered on their campuses, demanding the release of classmates detained during unrest in January. The demonstration escalated into a clash between protesters and security forces.

The protest movement began in December last year amid economic grievances but rapidly evolved into a political challenge to the establishment. Authorities have responded with a harsh crackdown, employing force against demonstrators and periodically shutting down internet and mobile communications.

Official figures from Iran's Foreign Ministry state that over 3,000 people have been killed in the clashes. The ministry claims 2,427 of the dead were civilians and security personnel, while classifying the remainder as "terrorists."

The internal turmoil coincides with heightened external pressure. On February 19, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential military action if nuclear talks fail, giving Iran 10 to 15 days to reach a "meaningful agreement."