Anti-govt protests erupt at Iranian universities: injuries reported VIDEO

Anti-government protests accompanied by clashes erupted on February 22 and continued today, February 23, at major Iranian universities.

Iranian state television broadcast footage showing individuals described as “posing as students” attacking government supporters at a technology university in Tehran and throwing stones at them, Caliber.Az reports per Western media.

Similar demonstrations were also reported at universities in Mashhad. U.S.-based human rights organisations said security forces intervened and that there were injuries.

To recall, in January, the country was swept by large-scale protests that were harshly suppressed. At the time, Tehran accused Israel and the United States of orchestrating the unrest.

The current developments are unfolding against the backdrop of negotiations between Washington and Tehran over a possible deal. At the same time, the United States is increasing its military presence in the region and has declared its readiness for a military operation should diplomacy fail.

According to media reports, there is no unified position within the circle of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the launch of a military campaign against Iran. Supporters of a hardline scenario argue that U.S. strikes could reignite protest sentiment in the country, potentially leading to the fall of the ayatollah’s rule.

By Khagan Isayev