Iranian university student protests

At the start of the academic year, students at several Iranian universities launched protests addressing economic and social grievances. Demonstrators cited rising tuition fees, inflation, poor dormitory facilities, and inadequate food quality as primary concerns, alongside opposition to compulsory hijab laws.

Protests have occurred at various institutions, including Allameh University, Lorestan University, and Kermanshah. At Allameh Tabataba'i University, a two-hour demonstration involving student union representatives led to verbal confrontations with the Basij student organization. Protesters used slogans such as “inflation, inflation, the scourge of the people” and called for the release of imprisoned students.

In response, authorities have implemented stricter measures. The Ministry of Science issued a ‘Guide to Academic Decorum, Ethics, and Conduct’ to mandate government-approved dress codes. Reports indicate intensified crackdowns, including barring students from campuses at Alzahra University and the sentencing or detention of individuals, such as student Ali Alirezaei and professor Hamid Rahmani Manshadi, following their involvement in or criticism of the current system.