Iran: University Students Protest Against Regime Amid US Tensions
Iranian university students have returned to the streets in protest against the regime in Tehran. The protests, which took place in Tehran and Mashhad, have seen clashes with security forces, including Basij officers, according to reports from the Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica. The protests have resumed with the reopening of universities for in-person classes, and it is the first time such demonstrations have occurred since a deadly crackdown on mass protests last month.
Background and Context
The protests in Iran first erupted over prolonged financial strain but soon escalated into mass anti-government rallies. As reported by the Japan Times and The Hindu, these demonstrations were suppressed in a violent crackdown by security forces, leaving thousands dead. The recent student protests are a continuation of this movement and have been reported by both local and diaspora media outlets.
As the New York Times reports, students played a significant role in transforming the initial protests into a national movement. Upon the commencement of the new semester, the students have resumed their protests, chanting and marching against the regime.
Key Developments
The recent wave of protests has seen a resurgence of slogans against Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Khamenei, according to Le Monde. For the first time since the protests began, calls for the death of Khamenei have been heard in several Iranian cities. Some students were also heard chanting 'Freedom, freedom, freedom' on the first day of in-person classes, as reported by La Repubblica.
Amid these tensions, the ANSA reports that the US could potentially strike Khamenei. US President Donald Trump has given Iran an ultimatum: to agree to a deal within 10 days, or face war. Trump has stated that Tehran cannot have nuclear capabilities, and a serious agreement is needed. US forces are reportedly ready for intervention.
Implications and Reactions
The protests have not been without pushback. The head of a top Tehran engineering school has called for protesters to be 'dealt with', following reported clashes with Basij officers, according to The Times of Israel.
Meanwhile, the BBC News reports that the student protesters commemorated the thousands of people killed during the government's crackdown on the mass protests last month. Sky News World also reported on protesters clashing with security forces at a university in Tehran.
Conclusion
As the protests continue and international tensions rise, the situation in Iran remains precarious. While the US threatens military intervention, the Iranian regime is facing increasing opposition from its own citizens. As reported by Le Monde, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Guide of the Islamic Republic since 1989, has become increasingly repressive, seemingly incapable of organizing his own succession. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches closely, awaiting the next developments.