Iran Warns Student Protesters as Tehran Campuses Erupt for Fourth Day

Overview

• Videos authenticated by AFP show students at several Tehran universities burning the Islamic Republic flag and chanting against Ali Khamenei since classes resumed on February 21.
• Confrontations broke out between anti-government demonstrators and pro-regime groups, including Basij elements, alongside counter-rallies backing the authorities.
• Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani affirmed a right to protest but warned against crossing "red lines" such as sacred sites and the national flag, with reports that some students were barred from campus.
• The United States has reinforced its regional posture with a large naval presence and tight timelines for nuclear talks, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched exercises along the Gulf.
• Death tolls from January’s crackdown remain disputed, with HRANA reporting more than 7,000 killed and Iranian authorities citing about 3,000.