Iranian Students Renew Protests Amid U.S. Military Buildup and Nuclear Talks

Since December 2025, Iran has seen widespread protests initially sparked by economic hardship, expanding into anti-government demonstrations demanding political change. A violent crackdown in January reportedly killed thousands, with estimates ranging from over 3,000 to 30,000 deaths. Recently, university students in Tehran and other cities resumed protests, chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei amid heightened U.S. military presence in the region. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of self-defense if attacked but expressed hope for a diplomatic nuclear deal, with talks ongoing in Geneva.