NEWS CENTER – A general strike and wave of protests initiated by university students have gathered momentum, with thousands filling campuses and chanting the slogan “Neither Shah nor Mullah.”

 

Protests that began in Iran and Rojhilat have continued through student-led strikes. Demonstrations first broke out on 28 December 2025 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the country’s economic crisis. The unrest later spread across Iran, particularly to Rojhilat.

 

After security forces reportedly used live ammunition against expanding protests, a large number of people were killed. Authorities also imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, severely restricting communication with the outside world.

 

Following deadly crackdowns on 7 and 8 January, 17 and 18 February marked the 40th day memorials for those killed. In the past four days, protests have resurged after students launched a new strike. On 21 February, university groups announced plans for a strike on 23 February.

 

Throughout the day, thousands of students gathered on campuses, chanting “Death to the dictator” and “Freedom,” turning university grounds into rallying points.

 

Universities where protests were reported:

 

Tarbiat Modares University (Tehran): Students gathered on campus chanting slogans against Iran’s Supreme Leader. Among the chants were: “Until the cleric is shrouded, this homeland will not become a true homeland,” and “This is the final message, the main target is the regime itself.”

 

Sharif University (Tehran): Reports indicated that plainclothes security forces attempted to prevent students from joining protests. In a statement, students described the authorities as “armed mercenaries and killers” and called on the public to gather outside universities in support.

 

University of Tehran: A large crowd assembled, chanting slogans including “After all these years of crimes, death to this system of guardianship,” “Death to the dictator,” and “Until the mullah is shrouded, this homeland will not become a true homeland.”

 

Alzahra University (Tehran): Students joined protests carrying photographs of fellow students who were killed.

 

University of Science and Culture (Tehran): Hundreds of students took part in demonstrations.

 

Amirkabir University (Tehran): Students gathered, repeating the slogan “Neither Shah nor Mullah.”

 

Isfahan University of Technology: Students chanted anti-government slogans, including “This year is a year of blood, Seyyed Ali will be overthrown,” and “After years of crimes, death to this system of guardianship.”

 

University of Science and Culture (Tehran): Students gathered under the slogan “We will continue the path of our loved ones,” chanting “If one is killed, a thousan