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Iran’s government on Monday issued its first official statement regarding ongoing university protests, saying it is ready to listen to students’ views and engage directly on campuses.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said during a press conference that students are a young and dynamic segment of society and have the right to protest.
“Students are young and dynamic. Of course, they have the right to object. Some incidents may have deeply affected them and caused anger.
However, everyone must observe sensitivities and red lines. Sacred values and the flag are among the boundaries that must not be crossed under any circumstances,” she said.
Mohajerani stressed that the solution lies in dialogue rather than tension.
“We know that the lasting solution lies in dialogue. Neither the suspension of education nor ignoring the voices of those who protest would be the right approach. We believe these two can proceed together on a reasonable basis,” she said.
She added that the government is prepared to listen to students’ opinions and establish direct contact at universities, emphasizing that the education process should not be interrupted.
“Universities remaining open is important both for the continuation of scientific activities and because it is the demand of the majority of students,” she said.
Mohajerani also noted that society faces difficult conditions, including grief and anger on one side and increasing threats and international pressure on the other. She said state institutions and decision-makers must take all these elements into account.
“After the environment calms down, we should be able to speak in a prudent manner,” she added.
University protests have been taking place since Feb. 28, with students drawing attention to what they describe as government repression and to deaths during the demonstrations.
Commemoration events were held at universities in Tehran and other cities for those who lost their lives in the protests.
During the events, one group of students waved the Iranian flag and chanted slogans in support of the government, while another group voiced anti-government and reformist demands and burned the Iranian flag.
The demonstrations, largely confined to university campuses, at times led to tensions between opposing groups, and some students were injured in scuffles.
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