Several Iranian universities in Tehran are currently experiencing student protests that have led to limited tensions and clashes at certain sites. This surge in protests coincides with official statements asserting the government's support for a "space of criticism and rationality" within educational institutions. Officials emphasized that disrespectful language and violence do not constitute criticism, warning that disciplinary councils will address any violations according to legal procedures. These disturbances began just three days after in-person classes resumed in some Iranian universities which had been conducted virtually since the protests erupted in late December and early January.

The reports confirm that universities like Tehran, Amir Kabir, Sharif Industrial, and al-Zahra have become focal points for student gatherings and protests. Some participants reportedly shouted slogans that were considered outside acceptable limits and engaged in actions deemed disrespectful, including offensive gestures towards images of martyrs from the 12-day war waged by Israel against Iran in June. Additionally, at Tehran University, memorial services were held for two students who lost their lives in the protests, indicating the ongoing volatility surrounding these student movements and their connection to broader discontent within Iranian society.

The situation is complicated further by a public denial from officials regarding the alleged summoning of special forces to quell the protests. This tension reflects a growing divide between the government's stance and the voices of dissent among younger populations. The protests highlight an urgent need for the authorities to address underlying grievances while navigating the complex landscape of civil liberties, education, and state authority in Iran.