The resumption of university classes in Iran, after weeks of shutdown due to anti-regime protests in January, has triggered fresh student mobilizations highlighting that public discontent is far from abating. The reopening of universities coincided with traditional collective ceremonies held 40 days after mourning for the deceased, as thousands of Iranians commemorated their loved ones lost amid the January protests. This created a fertile environment for slogans against Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his Islamic Republic.

In Tehran, hundreds of students marched towards Sharif University of Technology, chanting "death to the dictator," as recorded by images verified by BBC. The campus was met by a crowd of young people waving national flags who had gathered to support the regime's actions, showcasing the polarization of opinions among the youth in Iran. This division reflects a broader societal conflict over the governance and future direction of the country, especially in the context of both domestic unrest and the external pressures posed by U.S. military demonstrations.

The implications of these demonstrations are significant as they reveal a persistent undercurrent of dissent within Iranian society, despite government attempts to suppress such movements. The return to the streets by students, often seen as a barometer of public sentiment, suggests that the government's strategies for control may be increasingly ineffective. Additionally, these events coincide with heightened tensions due to U.S. military deployments in the region, which may further exacerbate feelings of uncertainty and resistance among the Iranian populace, potentially influencing future protests and the broader political landscape.