Iranian university students have staged their first large-scale anti-government demonstrations since authorities killed thousands during January’s protests, with verified footage showing hundreds marching at Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology while chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Campus Protests Spread Across Iran

Students gathered at multiple universities to honor those killed during last month’s crackdown, which the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency confirmed resulted in at least 7,015 deaths, including 6,508 protesters and 226 children. The BBC verified footage showing peaceful marches at Sharif University, where protesters chanted slogans demanding the end of the current regime. Violence erupted when pro-government counter-demonstrators confronted the students, leading to scuffles between the two groups.

Additional verified footage captured protests at Shahid Beheshti University and Amir Kabir University of Technology in Tehran, along with demonstrations in Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city. Students in Mashhad reportedly chanted demands for freedom and their rights. Iranian authorities claimed more than 3,100 people died in January’s unrest but insisted the majority were security personnel or bystanders attacked by rioters, contradicting independent reports.

Trump Threatens Military Action

The campus demonstrations come as President Donald Trump considers a limited military strike against Iran while building up American military presence in the region. Trump has given Iran approximately 10 days to reach an agreement on its nuclear program or face military consequences. Despite reported progress during meetings between US and Iranian officials in Switzerland, Trump questioned why Iran has not capitulated to Washington’s demands.

Nuclear Tensions Rise

The United States and European allies suspect Iran is developing nuclear weapons, allegations Tehran has consistently denied. US envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Trump remains curious about Iran’s refusal to comply despite warnings of severe consequences. The president previously voiced support for Iranian protesters, at one point suggesting that help was coming. Iran’s exiled opposition has called on Trump to follow through with military action, hoping it will topple the hardline government, though other opposition groups oppose foreign intervention. Iranian authorities continue preparing for potential conflict as tensions escalate.