Student protests spread to Iranian universities amid economic collapse

Protests driven by worsening economic conditions in Iran spread to university campuses in several cities on Tuesday, with students chanting for freedom and clashing with security forces near some campuses, local news media and social media videos reported. The demonstrations added a youthful contingent to protests that began with merchants angry over sky-high inflation and the collapse of the national currency, which hit a record low over the weekend.

Students protested on at least six university campuses in Tehran and in the cities of Isfahan and Yazd, with posts showing chants of “Freedom! Freedom! Freedom” and “Don’t be afraid! We are all together.” Clashes were reported near the University of Tehran. The protests come amid broader pressures on Iran’s leaders six months after a 12-day war with Israel, during which the United States joined bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities.

President Trump said the United States would support new action if Iran tried to reconstitute its nuclear program, and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X that Tehran’s response to any invasion would be “severe and regret-inducing.” Officials have shown signs of a more conciliatory approach: Mr.

Pezeshkian asked the interior minister to engage with what he called protesters’ “legitimate demands,” met with guild and commerce leaders, and the government said it would establish a dialogue that included protest organizers.

Key Topics

World, Iran, Student Protests, Isfahan, Yazd, Masoud Pezeshkian