Iranian university students continued protests for a third day after a government crackdown last month left thousands dead. Demonstrations spread to Al Zahra University in Tehran, where students chanted anti-government slogans and burned the Iranian flag.
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Protests coincide with heightened US-Iran tensions, with military buildups and upcoming negotiations in Geneva. President Trump warned of serious consequences without a deal. Iran vowed "ferocious" retaliation against any attacks, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.
Clashes at Sharif University resulted in injuries when the Basij militia intervened. Universities have warned students of disciplinary actions, limiting media coverage and banning photography of demonstrators.
Protesters ridiculed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by hanging toy mice on trees, symbolizing his alleged cowardice. Chants included “death to the dictator” and “the blood that has been spilled will never be washed away.”
Former President Mohammad Khatami called for the release of arrested protesters, marking a shift from his earlier stance that foreign influence was behind the unrest. His remarks reflect growing criticism of the regime.
Iran’s economy struggles under sanctions, and unrest has increased since January. Five Kurdish political parties have united to oppose the government, forming a coalition that represents a growing internal dissent. This coalition declared Iran’s government has lost legitimacy.
As Geneva nuclear talks approach, Iran's Foreign Minister prepared proposals to assure the US that Iran won’t develop nuclear weapons. Iran is willing to revert to the Additional Protocol for more comprehensive inspections by the UN.
Amid these tensions, Iran allegedly finalized a €500m arms deal with Russia for advanced missiles to bolster its air defenses. This arms agreement, signed in Moscow, includes the delivery of sophisticated missile systems over three years, enhancing Iran’s defensive capabilities.
The internal dissent and international negotiations come at a crucial time for Iran. The secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, will meet Omani mediators in Muscat before key talks in Geneva.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, addressed the UN, urging diplomacy over sanctions. He warned that conflict could affect the entire region and emphasized the need for respect and dialogue.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 23 Feb 2026