Iranian students took to the streets for a third consecutive day on Monday, defying authorities weeks after security forces killed thousands during a violent crackdown on mass protests, while the United States weighs possible military strikes against Tehran.
State media reported students chanting anti-government slogans at Tehran University, burning flags at the all-women Al Zahra University, and clashing with security at Amir Kabir University in the capital.
International news agencies verified a video showing students at Al Zahra University chanting “we’ll reclaim Iran,” though they could not confirm when someone recorded the footage.
The United States started evacuating non-essential staff and family members from its Beirut embassy, a senior State Department official said, marking another sign of rising tensions across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump has threatened Iran repeatedly since massive protests swept the country in January, warning Thursday that “really bad things will happen” if negotiations between the two governments collapse.
Washington demands Iran dismantle most of its nuclear programme, which American officials say aims to build atomic weapons, slash its missile capabilities to short range only, and cut all support for armed groups operating across the Middle East.
The United States has moved additional military forces into the region, escalating tension to an already volatile situation, squeezing Iran as Tehran weighs how to respond to American demands while talks continue.
Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei confronts the most dangerous crisis of his 36-year rule. International sanctions have battered the economy, while growing public anger exploded into major protests in January.
