University students have the right to protest but everyone must “understand the red lines,” the Iranian government’s spokeswoman said Tuesday, in the first official reaction to renewed rallies on campuses since the weekend. “Sacred things and the flag are two examples of these red lines that we must protect and not cross or deviate from, even at the height of anger,” Fatemeh Mohajerani said. Protests first began in December sparked by economic woes in the sanctions-hit country, but grew into nationwide demonstrations on January 8 and 9. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) has recorded more than 7,000 deaths, while warning the full toll is likely far higher. Mohajerani on Tuesday said a fact-finding mission is investigating “the causes and factors” of the protests and will provide reports.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 24, 2026 09:35 UTC