Iranian Students Stage Largest Anti-Government Protests Since Deadly Crackdown

Students from several Iranian universities held significant anti-government demonstrations on Saturday, the largest since last month's deadly security crackdown. Verified footage from the BBC shows hundreds marching across the campus of Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, chanting slogans such as "death to the dictator" directed at Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Clashes occurred between protesters and pro-government supporters nearby.

Other protests included a sit-in at Shahid Beheshti University in the capital and a rally in Mashhad in the northeast, where students shouted "Freedom, freedom" and "Students, shout for your rights." Demonstrations were reported in additional locations, with calls for further rallies on Sunday. No immediate arrests have been confirmed.

The protests commemorate victims of the mass demonstrations in January, which began over economic grievances and escalated into the largest uprising since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana), at least 6,159 people were killed during that period, including 5,804 protesters, 92 children, and 214 government-affiliated individuals. Investigations continue into another 17,000 reported deaths. Iranian authorities acknowledged over 3,100 deaths, mostly among security personnel or bystanders, and blamed "rioters."

The demonstrations take place amid heightened regional tensions. The United States has increased its military presence near Iran, and President Donald Trump has indicated that a limited military strike is under consideration. The US and European allies have raised concerns over Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran denies pursuing for weapons purposes.

US and Iranian officials met in Switzerland on Tuesday and reported progress in negotiations to limit Iran's nuclear activities. However, Trump later warned that the world would know within about ten days whether a deal would be reached or if military action would follow. He has previously voiced support for Iranian protesters, stating that "help is on its way."

Exiled opposition groups have urged Trump to act against the Iranian government, while others oppose foreign intervention. Both sides have launched social media campaigns to shape global perceptions of the Iranian people's will.