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Iran Universities Reopen Amidst Lingering Protests

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 12:41 GMT by reuters.com
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TEHRAN (Reuters/Analysis) - Iranian universities cautiously reopened for the new semester on Saturday, February 22nd, 2026, but the return to academic life is overshadowed by the persistent echoes of the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2023. While state media touts a return to normalcy, on-the-ground reports and independent sources indicate a campus landscape fraught with tension, surveillance, and continued, albeit smaller, acts of defiance.

Two and a half years after Amini's death while in the custody of the morality police, the initial widespread demonstrations may have subsided, but the underlying discontent remains potent. The protests, initially focused on mandatory hijab laws, quickly broadened to encompass a range of grievances - economic hardship, political repression, and social restrictions - fundamentally challenging the authority of the Islamic Republic. The government's harsh response, characterized by widespread arrests, internet shutdowns, and a violent crackdown on demonstrators, hasn't extinguished the flames of dissent; it has seemingly driven them underground, manifesting now in more subtle forms of resistance, particularly within the relatively protected, yet increasingly monitored, spaces of universities.

The current situation represents a significant shift from the initial explosion of protests. We're no longer witnessing massive street marches, but rather a fragmented resistance strategy: small groups chanting slogans, students distributing informational leaflets, and a pervasive atmosphere of distrust towards authorities. The fear of repercussions, as articulated by students like 'Ali' who requested anonymity, is palpable. This fear, coupled with increased security measures - a visible police presence, extensive surveillance cameras, and likely, internal informants - creates a climate of intimidation designed to discourage open dissent.

The government's strategy appears to be one of containment and control. By focusing on heightened security and suppressing public expression, they are attempting to project an image of stability both domestically and internationally. However, this strategy is proving increasingly unsustainable. The root causes of the unrest - economic stagnation exacerbated by international sanctions, lack of political freedom, and deep-seated social grievances - remain unaddressed. Furthermore, the continued suppression of dissent risks radicalizing a new generation of students and fueling further resentment.

The internet restrictions, initially implemented to curb the spread of protest imagery and coordination, persist. This makes independent verification of events extraordinarily difficult, relying heavily on carefully vetted sources and social media posts that circumvent censorship. The state-controlled media continues to offer a sanitized narrative, presenting a picture of academic life proceeding as usual, while downplaying or ignoring the underlying tensions. This disparity between official reporting and independent accounts further erodes public trust and fuels the cycle of distrust.

The long-term implications of this sustained unrest are considerable. Iranian universities, traditionally centers of intellectual and political discourse, are now becoming battlegrounds for a struggle between the government and a generation demanding greater freedom and accountability. The government's increasingly authoritarian approach risks stifling critical thinking and innovation, potentially hindering Iran's future development. Furthermore, the crackdown on university students could lead to a brain drain, as disillusioned graduates seek opportunities abroad.

Observers are noting a distinct pattern: the protests are evolving, shifting from large-scale demonstrations to a more sustained and insidious form of civil disobedience. This adaptation suggests a learning curve within the protest movement, a growing understanding of how to operate effectively under conditions of extreme repression. The recent increase in reports of student arrests and disciplinary actions points to a government tightening its grip on the universities in anticipation of further demonstrations leading up to sensitive anniversaries like the anniversary of Amini's death.

The situation in Iranian universities is not simply a domestic issue. It has implications for regional stability and international relations. The ongoing unrest underscores the fragility of the Islamic Republic and the growing discontent among its population, a factor that could influence its foreign policy decisions and its relationships with other nations.