Iranian Students Confront Government Forces in Tehran, Chant Anti-Khamenei Slogans

Students from Major Universities Take to the Streets

TEHRAN — Iranian student protests erupted in the capital Tehran over the weekend, with many chanting slogans directly targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei while confronting security forces and pro-government militia.

Students from Sharif University of Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, and Shahid Beheshti University took to the streets calling for regime change, according to Iran International news agency. Some students at Sharif University were attacked by Basij forces — a pro-government paramilitary organization. The extent of their injuries has not been clearly disclosed.

In the eastern Iranian city of Mashhad, students from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences also gathered, chanting slogans demanding freedom, according to videos posted by opposition media.

Major Controversy Over Casualty Figures

Protests have spread since late December amidst a weakening economy, later evolving into calls for political change.

President Trump stated that the Iranian government is responsible for approximately 32,000 deaths in this year's protests, according to Al Jazeera. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected this figure, saying that 3,117 people died and claiming they were victims of a "recent terrorist operation."

Mr. Araghchi called for evidence if there is any dispute over casualty data. Meanwhile, the organization Human Rights Activists in Iran stated that it has recorded over 7,000 deaths and is investigating an additional 12,000 cases.

Regional Tensions Escalate

The situation unfolds as relations between Tehran and Washington remain tense. President Trump warned Iran that it has 10 days to reach a deal on the nuclear issue, or the United States and Israel will consider military action.

The United States has increased its military presence in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford entered the Mediterranean Sea, while the USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships are present in the Arabian Sea.

Persistent Instability

Slogans openly targeting Supreme Leader Khamenei indicate an increasing level of dissatisfaction among a segment of Iranian youth. The significant discrepancy in casualty figures reported by the Iranian government, the United States, and human rights organizations continues to fuel controversy, while the risk of regional conflict shows no signs of de-escalating.