Iran’s Students Hold Anti-Regime Protests as Universities Reopen

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by Leily Nikounazar, Pranav Baskar and Devon Lum

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Iranian students have reignited anti-regime protests as universities reopened for the new semester, marking a significant escalation in tensions following a government crackdown that quashed nationwide demonstrations earlier this year. Thousands of students across Tehran and other cities gathered on campuses, chanting slogans against the authoritarian clerical regime and calling for democratic change. The demonstrations, which began peacefully but turned chaotic at some universities, reflect the ongoing frustration among Iran's youth over political repression, economic hardship, and lack of freedoms. Students have historically played a pivotal role in Iran’s struggles for democracy, from the 1979 revolution to recent uprisings. Their activism has often been met with harsh reprisals, including campus raids, arrests, and bans on higher education for dissenters. This time, however, the protests have resurfaced despite the government's efforts to suppress dissent following a violent crackdown in January that reportedly left over 3,000 people dead. At prestigious universities like Sharif and Amirkabir in Tehran, students clashed with authorities and among themselves, highlighting the deep divisions within the protest movement. While some chanted "Death to the dictator!" referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, others faced arrests as police blocked entrances and state media reported on the growing tensions. These incidents underscore the government's fragile control over public sentiment and its willingness to use force to maintain it. The renewed protests reflect a broader pattern of resistance in Iran, where economic struggles, political oppression, and demands for greater freedoms have fueled nationwide unrest. Despite the regime’s attempts to silence dissent, students continue to play a central role in challenging the status quo. Their activism not only highlights internal divisions within the Islamic Republic but also underscores the global significance of Iran's ongoing struggle for democratic reform. This situation matters to readers interested in global politics and human rights as it sheds light on the resilience of Iran’s youth and their determination to challenge authoritarian rule. The protests, though met with repression, signal a persistent desire for change that could shape the country's future.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/21/2026