Iran’s parliament convened on Sunday amid a nationwide wave of protests that have already claimed 116 lives, according to activists and independent observers. The death toll, which has risen sharply over the past two weeks, underscores the escalating tensions between the Iranian people and the theocratic regime that has ruled the country since 1979.
Background and Context
The unrest began on December 28, 2025, when a sudden devaluation of the Iranian rial—now trading at over 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar—triggered widespread anger over soaring inflation and unemployment. Protesters flooded the streets of Tehran, Mashhad, and other major cities, demanding economic reform, political freedom, and an end to the regime’s authoritarian rule. The protests quickly evolved from economic grievances into a broader challenge to the theocracy, with demonstrators chanting slogans that directly criticize the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council.
In the days that followed, the Iranian government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown and cut international telephone lines, making it difficult for outside observers to verify the scale of the demonstrations. Despite the blackout, satellite-based communications and leaked footage from activists have painted a grim picture of the crackdown, with reports of tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition used against unarmed civilians.
Internationally, the protests have drawn attention from governments and human rights organizations. The U.S. State Department has warned that the regime may intensify its repression, while the United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the alleged use of excessive force.
Key Developments
During the parliamentary session, lawmakers—many of whom are hardliners—rushed to the front of the assembly to chant “Death to America!” before quickly shifting to pro-government slogans. The session, which was broadcast on state television, also featured a segment in which a senior cleric declared that anyone participating in the protests would be deemed an “enemy of God” and could face the death penalty.
Activists and independent media outlets report that at least 2,600 people have been detained since the protests began. Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based organization, has documented the growing death toll, which now stands at 116. The toll includes a mix of protesters, bystanders, and security personnel, with many deaths attributed to gunfire and tear gas.
In Mashhad, the city’s second-largest population center and the site of the Imam Reza shrine, footage shows demonstrators confronting security forces in the city’s historic Punak neighborhood. The protests there carry particular symbolic weight, as the shrine is a focal point of Shiite identity and state propaganda.
Meanwhile, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged protesters to carry the old lion-and-sun flag of the Shah’s era, calling it a symbol of national pride and a rallying point for those seeking to restore pre-revolutionary values. His calls have sparked debate among activists, some of whom view the flag as a nostalgic relic, while others see it as a unifying emblem against the current regime.
Impact Analysis
For international students and scholars planning to study in Iran, the escalating violence poses significant safety concerns. Universities in Tehran and other major cities have suspended classes and closed campuses in response to the unrest. The Iranian Ministry of Education has issued a travel advisory urging foreign nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the country.
Students currently enrolled in Iranian institutions face uncertainty regarding the continuity of their programs. Many universities have not yet announced whether they will resume classes or shift to online delivery. Those who have not yet arrived in Iran should monitor the situation closely and consider postponing their travel until the security environment stabilizes.
Visa holders and those on student visas may also encounter complications. The Iranian embassy in Washington, D.C., has advised that visa processing may be delayed due to the current political climate. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel warning for Iran, citing the risk of arbitrary arrest and the lack of consular assistance.
Beyond safety, the protests have disrupted the Iranian economy, which is already strained by international sanctions. The devaluation of the rial has led to a sharp rise in the cost of living, affecting students’ ability to afford housing, food, and transportation. The uncertainty surrounding the political future of Iran may also impact scholarship funding and research collaborations.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Dr. Leila Farhadi, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Toronto, advises students to stay informed through reliable news outlets and to maintain open communication with their home institutions. “In situations like this, the most important thing is to have a clear plan,” she says. “Know the emergency contact numbers for your university, keep a copy of your passport and visa documents, and have a backup plan in case you need to leave the country quickly.”
For those already in Iran, the following steps can help mitigate risk:
- Stay Updated: Follow reputable news sources such as BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters, and monitor official statements from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Maintain Connectivity: Use satellite phones or encrypted messaging apps to stay in touch with family and university contacts, especially if local internet access is unreliable.
- Know Your Exit Routes: Identify the nearest international airports and the location of your country’s embassy or consulate.
- Secure Your Documents: Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and enrollment paperwork in a secure cloud storage service.
- Follow Local Guidance: Pay attention to advisories issued by local authorities and university officials regarding campus closures or curfews.
Students who are considering studying in Iran should also evaluate the long-term implications of the political climate on their academic goals. “The current unrest could affect research funding, access to laboratories, and collaboration with local scholars,” notes Dr. Farhadi. “It’s essential to weigh these risks against the potential benefits of studying in Iran.”
Looking Ahead
As the protests continue, the Iranian government’s response remains uncertain. While hardliners have signaled a willingness to use force to quell dissent, there are indications that the regime may also consider concessions to prevent a full-blown civil uprising. The death toll, now at 116, could rise if the crackdown intensifies, potentially drawing further international condemnation and sanctions.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation. The United Nations Human Rights Council has called for an independent inquiry into the use of force against protesters, while the European Union has expressed concern over the safety of its citizens in Iran. The U.S. government has reiterated its readiness to support peaceful demonstrators, though concrete military options remain unconfirmed.
For students and scholars, the key takeaway is that the political environment in Iran is volatile and could impact academic pursuits. Universities and governments are likely to issue updated travel advisories in the coming weeks, and students should remain flexible in their plans.
In the meantime, the Iranian parliament’s session signals that the regime is still in control of the narrative, but the growing death toll and widespread unrest suggest that the status quo is under threat. The international community’s response—whether through diplomatic pressure, sanctions, or humanitarian aid—will shape the trajectory of the protests and the future of Iran’s political landscape.
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