Iran Warns Students Over Protests, Citing ‘Red Lines’

Tehran is attempting to balance permitting student expression with policing actions it deems unacceptable, as renewed anti-government demonstrations take place on university campuses across Iran. The government has warned students not to cross “red lines” amid intensifying protests, acknowledging the anger felt by students but insisting on the protection of national symbols and established boundaries.

Government Response to Campus Protests

Fatemeh Mohajerani, the Iranian government spokeswoman, stated on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that while students “have wounds in their hearts” from recent events and their anger is understandable, certain limits must not be crossed [Source: ABP Live]. She specifically cited the national flag and other “sacred symbols” as examples of these red lines [Source: Jagonews24], [Source: Aawsat].

Mohajerani’s comments came in response to footage circulating online showing students burning the post-revolution Iranian flag and hoisting the pre-1979 lion and sun flag during protests [Source: Al Jazeera]. The government acknowledges the students’ anger, referencing the deaths during nationwide protests in January, but maintains the need to protect national symbols [Source: Al Jazeera].

Renewed Student Unrest and Protests

The protests began as the new academic semester started, with students at universities such as Sharif University of Technology and Amir Kabir University of Technology voicing opposition to the establishment and reviving slogans from January’s nationwide protests [Source: ABP Live]. Some universities have moved classes online for the remainder of the Iranian calendar year, which ends on March 20 [Source: Al Jazeera].

Government Stance on Dialogue and Demands

Despite the warnings, the government has indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with protesters. Mohajerani stated that President Ebrahim Raisi has instructed all ministries and government bodies to take action, in line with their responsibilities, to engage in dialogue with the public and follow up on people’s demands [Source: ABP Live]. The government views protesters as “children” and expresses sorrow over any bloodshed [Source: ABP Live], but also aims to prevent demonstrations from being exploited by political currents.