Students Rise Again: Campus Voices Push Back Against Iran’s Crackdown

In the wake of a brutal crackdown that left thousands dead, Iranian university students have taken to their campuses for a third straight day of protest. The demonstrations come as tensions between Iran and the United States flare, with Washington building up forces in the region while negotiating a new deal in Geneva. The U. S. president has warned of severe consequences if talks fail, and Iran’s foreign ministry has vowed a fierce retaliation. The campus actions spread to places like Al Zahra University, an all‑women institution in Tehran. Students shouted anti‑government slogans and even burned the national flag, though they stayed off the streets. A Telegram group reported that a state‑backed militia attacked Sharif University, injuring several students and prompting an ambulance to arrive on campus. Universities have begun warning students about possible disciplinary actions. To mock the Supreme Leader, some students climbed trees and hung toy mice from branches—a symbolic gesture suggesting he is hiding like a mouse underground. Chants such as “death to the dictator” and “for every one killed, a thousand will follow” echoed through the halls. Student representatives met with Iran’s vice‑president over the weekend, accusing officials of blaming “terrorists” for the January killings and insisting that the government’s response was a barrage of bullets.The protests also highlight a broader political shift. Former president Mohammad Khatami, who once blamed U. S. and Israeli forces for the unrest, now calls for the release of all detainees, describing them as mere protestors. Meanwhile, reformists report being barred from running for Tehran city council—a first in local politics—signaling increased government control over elections. Internally, Kurdish political parties have joined forces to challenge the regime, claiming it has lost legitimacy. Their coalition pledges solidarity with all opponents of the Islamic Republic. This internal fragmentation arrives just before Iran’s security council chief meets Omani mediators and ahead of a Geneva nuclear talks session. Iran signals it will propose the Additional Protocol to reassure the U. S. , but acceptance hinges on the president’s personal stance. Internationally, Iran reportedly struck a covert €500 million arms deal with Russia in December to acquire thousands of shoulder‑fire missiles, aiming to patch gaps in its air defenses. The agreement includes the delivery of 500 Verba launch units and 2, 500 missiles over three years. These developments underscore a nation navigating internal dissent while seeking external military support.