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Iran Warns Protesters, Emphasizes ‘Red Lines’ and National Symbols
Iranian government warns students protesting at universities that while protests are a right, respect for sacred places and national symbols is essential. Clashes with security forces continue as tensions rise.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-24
Iran Warns Protesters, Emphasizes ‘Red Lines’ and National Symbols

The Iranian government has addressed the ongoing protests at universities across the country, asserting that while students have the right to protest, there are "red lines" that cannot be crossed. Government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi emphasized that respect for sacred places, as well as the national flag, must be maintained at all times during demonstrations.

The protests, which have been taking place in several universities, saw students chanting anti-government slogans and denouncing the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In addition to the protests, demonstrators were seen waving Iranian flags with the images of the lion and sun, a symbol from before the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The sight of the pre-revolutionary flag has been seen as a bold political statement against the current regime, signaling the protesters' rejection of the Islamic Republic.

Clashes with Security Forces
Tensions between protesters and security forces have led to violent clashes at universities in Tehran and several other cities. The security forces have reportedly used force to disperse crowds, further escalating the situation. These protests are part of a broader wave of civil unrest that has been sweeping Iran for several months, as dissatisfaction with the government continues to grow.

Widespread Protests Across the Country
The ongoing student protests are not an isolated incident. They come on the heels of violent nationwide protests in January, during which at least thousands of people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Those protests were sparked by grievances over the Iranian government's handling of economic issues, political freedoms, and human rights violations, as well as the suppression of dissent.

The government has consistently cracked down on these demonstrations with harsh measures, and the authorities have warned that any further violence will be met with severe consequences.

Messages from Abroad and Domestic Reactions
In a surprising development, many Iranians in Tehran received text messages yesterday written in Persian, stating, "Wait, President Trump believes in action." The message appeared to reference former U.S. President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on Iran, further stirring speculation about external involvement and the possibility of foreign influence on the protests. While the U.S. administration under Joe Biden has expressed concerns about Iran's internal crackdown on protesters, the messages appear to be tapping into the sentiments of those who continue to support action against the Iranian regime.

US President Warns of "Bad Consequences"
In response to the increasing violence against protesters, U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a stern warning to the Iranian government. He stated that the consequences would be "very bad" for the regime if the violent crackdown on protesters does not cease immediately. This statement reflects Washington’s growing concern over human rights violations in Iran and comes amid intensifying protests and international condemnation of Tehran’s response to its citizens' demands for reform.

The Road Ahead
As the protests continue, it remains unclear how far both the protesters and the government are willing to go. The Iranian leadership has shown little sign of backing down, and the students’ defiant stance—especially the symbolic use of the pre-revolutionary flag—appears to be a powerful gesture of resistance. Meanwhile, the international community closely watches developments in Iran, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis but bracing for the potential escalation of violence.
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