The unrest comes as Tehran faces heightened external pressure and a US military buildup in the region while pursuing a potential nuclear agreement with Washington.
Iranian state television aired videos it said showed individuals “posing as students” attacking pro-government demonstrators at universities in Tehran. The broadcaster alleged that several students were injured after rocks were thrown during confrontations.
Protests were also reported in the northeastern city of Mashhad, according to videos circulated by the US-based rights group HRANA. The group said security forces intervened, resulting in injuries, though independent verification was not immediately available.
Footage shared online on Saturday appeared to show marchers at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran chanting slogans against Ali Khamenei, referring to him as a “murderous leader,” and expressing support for Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s deposed monarch.
The demonstrations follow widespread anti-government protests last month, described as the most severe domestic unrest since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The recent wave of protests initially began in December over economic grievances before expanding into broader political demands.
Authorities have previously responded to similar demonstrations with force, leading to significant casualties, according to rights groups. Iranian officials, however, have accused foreign actors of inciting unrest and maintain that security measures are necessary to preserve stability.
