Iranians protest against the regime again. The third consecutive day of student demonstrations
Student protest in Tehran Photo: AFP / AFP / Profimedia
Iranian students continue to defy authorities, demonstrating for a third straight day on Monday, weeks after security forces quelled large-scale riots that left thousands dead. The new protests come in the context in which the United States is considering airstrikes against the Islamic Republic, informs Reuters.
State media reported that students chanted anti-government slogans at Tehran University, burned flags at the all-female al-Zahra University, and scuffles broke out at Amir Kabir University.
Reuters has verified a video clip of female students from al-Zahra University chanting slogans such as “We will reclaim Iran”, but could not confirm the date it was recorded.
First protests in Iran since January clashes: Students against the regime, amid US military threat
In a new sign of rising tensions in the Middle East, the United States has begun withdrawing non-essential personnel and the families of embassy employees in Beirut, a State Department official said.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran since nationwide protests in January, saying on Thursday that “really bad things are going to happen” if talks between the two countries do not lead to a deal.
Washington wants Iran to give up much of its nuclear program, which it believes is designed to build a bomb, limit the range of its missiles to short distances and stop supporting groups it supports in the Middle East.
The US has sent air forces to the Middle East, putting pressure on Iran as it prepares its response to US demands.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is already facing the biggest crisis in his 36 years in power, with an economy struggling due to international sanctions and growing discontent that led to mass protests in January.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday there were “encouraging signs” in talks with the US, even as a second US aircraft carrier is heading to the Middle East.
Trump did not provide details about a possible attack on Iran. A White House official told Reuters last week that there was not yet “unified support” within the administration for launching an attack.
