Iran student protests have erupted at universities across the country, marking the first large-scale anti-government demonstrations since last month's deadly nationwide crackdown. Verified footage shows hundreds marching at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology, a remarkable display of courage from a generation that witnessed thousands killed by security forces just weeks ago.

Protests Resume Despite Bloody History

The Iran student protests gathered momentum as the new semester began Saturday, with students honoring thousands killed when authorities violently suppressed nationwide mass protests last month. BBC-verified footage shows students peacefully marching and chanting near Sharif University, with similar Iran student protests reported at universities in Mashhad and other cities.

The Iran student protests come at a particularly tense moment. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency confirmed at least 6,159 people have been killed since the unrest began - including 5,804 protesters, 92 children, and 214 government affiliates. Iranian authorities acknowledge over 3,100 deaths but claim most were security personnel or bystanders attacked by rioters. The agency is investigating an additional 17,000 reported deaths.

Footage from Tehran shows the characteristic bravery of a generation that has grown up under authoritarian rule. Students were calling for additional rallies Sunday, suggesting the Iran student protests movement intends to persist despite the obvious risks.

Timing Amid Nuclear Tensions

The Iran student protests coincide with heightened international pressure on Iran's nuclear program. US and Iranian officials met in Switzerland this week and reported progress in talks aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions. Western powers suspect Iran is moving toward developing nuclear weapons - something Tehran consistently denies.

President Trump has added fuel to the fire, stating the world would learn over the next, probably, 10 days whether a deal would be reached or the US would take military action. Trump has previously voiced support for Iranian protesters, at one point promising that help is on its way.

The Iranian regime is now preparing for potential military conflict while simultaneously facing renewed domestic unrest - a combination that creates dangerous unpredictability. Saturday's Iran student protests show the opposition is not backing down even as the government braces for possible American strikes.

Divisions Within Opposition

The protest movement itself is not monolithic. Exiled opposition groups are actively calling on Trump to follow through on military threats, hoping for a quick end to the hardline government. But other opposition factions oppose outside intervention, creating tension among activists.

Both sides have engaged in social media disinformation campaigns, attempting to amplify their conflicting narratives about what the Iranian people actually want. The information warfare complicates efforts to understand the true scope and sentiment of the Iran student protests.

Unverified footage has emerged showing clashes between pro- and anti-government groups at one Tehran university, suggesting the regime still maintains significant support among some segments of society. It's unclear whether security forces have arrested any demonstrators from Saturday's rallies.

Generation Z's Defining Moment

For Iranian Gen Z, these Iran student protests represent a defining moment of political awakening. Born after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, this generation has only known life under the current regime - and is now risking everything to change it. The death toll from previous crackdowns, including at least 92 children, has not deterred them.

The international community faces difficult choices. Military intervention could escalate catastrophically, but standing by while protesters are slaughtered carries its own moral weight. For now, the students are making their voices heard through Iran student protests, one march at a time.

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