The Iranian government declared Tuesday that students can continue protests, but warned that they should not cross "red lines" such as disrespecting the national flag and other "sacred symbols." The statement comes after the demonstrations in universities at the beginning of the new semester, which resume the national protests of January, which left a deadly toll.

First modification: 02/24/2026 - 12:45 Last modification: 02/24/2026 - 13:18

The first official reaction to the new protests on campus that occurred on Saturday, February 21 is recorded.

University students have the right to demonstrate, but they must "understand the red lines," the Iranian government spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"Sacred things and the flag are two examples of these red lines that we must protect and not cross or violate, even at the height of anger," declared Fatemeh Mohajerani.

The spokesperson acknowledged that the students "have wounds in their hearts and have seen scenes that may disturb and enrage them; that anger is understandable."

Read alsoIn Iran, university students revive protests with anti-government slogans

On Saturday, with the start of the new semester, students in Iran staged rallies both for and against the Government, according to local media, reviving slogans of the national protests that reached their peak in January and led to a repression with thousands of deaths.

The protests began in December driven by economic difficulties in the sanctions-affected country, and expanded on January 8 and 9.

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The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), based in the United States, has counted more than 7,000 deaths, although it warns that the real number could be much higher.

Iranian authorities acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but maintain that the violence was the result of "terrorist acts" encouraged by the United States and Israel.

Mohajerani indicated that a fact-finding mission is analyzing “the causes and factors” of the protests and will present reports.

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