Iran universities emerge as new battleground for anti-government protests

Universities in Iran have become a new battleground for anti-government demonstrations, leading to a swift government crackdown. Following a brief reopening, many universities have returned to online classes after clashes erupted between students and paramilitary Basij forces on several campuses. The protests are fueled by anger over the thousands killed by security forces during recent nationwide unrest, which was initially triggered by a currency collapse. Students are using the university space to voice dissent after broader street protests were violently suppressed.