‘Our classrooms are empty because the graveyards are full’: Iran’s students on why they are protesting again

The Guardian World

by Deepa Parent

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Iranian students are continuing their protest movement despite the heavy-handed crackdown by authorities in January, which left thousands dead or arrested. As the new academic term began, students across Tehran’s universities gathered to voice their dissent, defying a strong security presence and chanting anti-government slogans. The Guardian spoke to protesting students who expressed their determination to resist normalization of the regime’s actions, even as details of the death toll from January’s protests continue to emerge. The January crackdown marked a turning point in Iran’s ongoing unrest, with reports indicating thousands killed and tens of thousands arrested. Students see their role on campuses as a critical battleground for resistance, using education as both a tool and a symbol of hope for change. Despite government efforts to suppress dissent through surveillance and intimidation, students are finding creative ways to share their stories and mobilize support. Social media and art have become key channels for bypassing censorship and amplifying their voices. The persistence of student-led protests highlights the broader frustration with Iran’s political leadership and the regime’s handling of public grievances. Many young Iranians view the current system as unresponsive to their demands for greater freedoms, economic stability, and an end to repression. The government

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026