Amid ongoing tensions with the United States, anti-government protests led by "Generation Z" have once again surged across Iran. For the second consecutive day, students and citizens held demonstrations, rallies, and marches in the capital city, Tehran.

According to reports from AFP and Al Arabiya English on Sunday (February 22), the unrest began on Saturday as young protesters gathered to honor those killed by security forces during clashes in December and January, demanding justice for the fatalities.

In response, pro-government youth groups have also organized counter-rallies and marches.

Universities at the Center of Unrest
Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that protests have spread across three major universities in Tehran, with Sharif University emerging as the primary hub for the anti-government movement.

Videos circulating on social media show students at Sharif University marching with flags from the era of the former Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, while chanting loud anti-government slogans.

Background of the Conflict
The current wave of dissent follows a massive anti-government movement that began in Tehran last December, fueled by long-standing economic hardship.

That movement quickly spread nationwide but was met with a heavy-handed crackdown by security forces. Human rights organizations allege that thousands of people were killed during those previous demonstrations.

Disputed Death Toll
The Iranian authorities have acknowledged more than 3,000 deaths related to the unrest, though they attributed the violence to "terrorist activities" and alleged foreign provocation.

In contrast, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) claims that over 7,000 people—mostly protesters—have been killed in the recent anti-government movements. The organization expressed concern that the actual death toll could be significantly higher.