US-Iran Tensions Highlights: Student protests erupt at Iranian universities, clashes reported with pro-government groups

A senior Iranian official has told Reuters that that the nation “will not hand over control of its oil and mineral resources to the US”

Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has stated that the United States has made a final decision to carry out a military strike against Iran early next week.

Speaking on the Julian Dorey Podcast, Kiriakou mentioned that a former intelligence official, recently at the White House, indicated that an attack could be imminent, despite public timelines announced by the administration.

Highlighting the confidential nature of the discussions, Kiriakou said, "I have a friend, former CIA officer, who was at the White House this morning talking to his friends, and he says that a decision has been made to attack Iran on Monday or Tuesday."

President Donald Trump indicated that he is contemplating targeted military strikes to compel Iran to agree to a new nuclear deal, though experts warn that bombing the country could backfire and trigger further regional instability, according to Bloomberg.

The Pentagon has deployed substantial forces to the area, including two aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and refueling planes, providing Trump with options for either limited or broader military operations against Iran.

The United States has initiated the redeployment of military personnel from various bases across the Middle East for undisclosed operations, as per ANI.

This move comes amid increasing concerns about the possibility of a direct military confrontation with Iran.

According to The Jerusalem Post, citing The New York Times, Pentagon officials have confirmed that hundreds of troops have been relocated from the Al Udeid base in Qata.

In response to a question about whether the United States might carry out limited military action during ongoing talks, Donald Trump said, “I guess I can say I am considering that”, reported PTI.

Earlier, Abbas Araghchi, foreign minister of Iran, said in a television interview that Tehran expected to complete a draft agreement within "the next two to three days" before sending it to Washington.

Speaking on Morning Joe, he added, "I don't think it takes long, perhaps, in a matter of a week or so, we can start real, serious negotiations on the text and come to a conclusion."

According to two US officials who spoke to Reuters, military planning by the United States regarding Iran has progressed significantly. The plans reportedly include several possible options, such as strikes against specific individuals and even measures that could lead to a change in leadership in Tehran, if authorised by Donald Trump.

Trump has warned Iran that it has roughly 10 to 15 days to avoid possible military action, indicating that the situation could become more serious in the coming weeks, as per Bloomberg. The warning comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency prepares for an important meeting that may determine the next steps regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

The agency’s governing board is set to meet in Vienna for five days beginning March 2. During the session, diplomats are expected to consider a new resolution criticising Iran’s nuclear program, and the issue could potentially be referred to the United Nations Security Council for further action.

The United States has deployed significant air and naval forces to West Asia, in what has been described as the largest military buildup in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to media reports.

According to CNN, US forces are ready to launch possible strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, although Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to authorise military action.

A video circulating online appeared to show groups of demonstrators marching at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, chanting slogans against Ali Khamenei, whom they described as a “murderous leader,” and expressing support for Reza Pahlavi as a potential future monarch, as per Reuters.

State-linked media outlets, including SNN, broadcast footage of confrontations in which protesters were accused of throwing stones and injuring members of the volunteer Basij student militia at the country’s leading engineering university. Pro-government Basij members frequently work alongside security forces to help suppress demonstrations.

Students in Iran chanted anti-government slogans and clashed with opposing groups on Saturday, highlighting growing frustration with the country’s clerical leadership, as per AFP. The unrest comes as the government also faces increasing pressure from a United States military buildup intended to push Iran toward a nuclear agreement.

Reports from universities, covered by both domestic and diaspora media, followed a large protest movement last month. That wave of demonstrations was met with a harsh government response that reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.

US and Iranian officials met in Geneva for a second round of talks mediated by Oman, as President Donald Trump continues to expand US military presence in the Middle East.

Both sides described the latest meeting as productive, but no date has been announced for a third round of negotiations.

Iran foreign minister Araghchi said on Tuesday’s talks created a “general understanding,” potentially paving the way for drafting a formal agreement.

Instead of demanding zero enrichment, discussions are now centered on technical aspects of Iran’s nuclear program, including the location, level, and number of uranium centrifuges, ISNA reported.

US officials have accepted Iran’s position on continuing to enrich uranium, according to the semi-official Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), Bloomberg cited an unnamed Iranian diplomat familiar with the discussions.

The diplomat said the idea of Iran completely halting enrichment was dismissed during recent talks in Geneva.

In the western town of Abdanan, described as a hotspot for unrest, protesters chanted “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the dictator” following the arrest of an activist teacher.

The demonstrations were reported by rights group Hengaw and shared widely on social media platforms.

The renewed student protests highlight continuing tensions in Iran following last month’s mass demonstrations, which resulted in thousands of deaths and intensified scrutiny of the government’s response.

Demonstrations were also reported at Shahid Beheshti University and Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, as well as at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.

Rights group HAALVSH published videos of the protests, though Reuters said it could not verify the material.

Video footage circulating online appeared to show rows of marchers at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling him a “murderous leader.”

Students staged protests at multiple Iranian universities as the new academic semester began on Saturday.

Some demonstrations reportedly escalated into clashes with pro-government groups, according to local media and social media posts.

The unrest coincided with traditional 40-day mourning ceremonies for those killed in last month’s anti-government protests.

The Iranian government again blamed “terrorists” for the deaths during last month’s nationwide protests.

Abbas Araghchi said authorities released a list of 3,117 people described as “victims of recent terrorist operation,” including about 200 security personnel.

“If anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence,” Araghchi wrote on X.

He has previously claimed that 690 of those listed were “terrorists” allegedly armed and funded by the US and Israel.

Donald Trump said 32,000 people were killed during the protests.

Ali Larijani, adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said Iran is prepared to allow extensive monitoring of its nuclear program.

Larijani made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera.

He said the monitoring would be conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The move is intended to demonstrate that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons.

Defense analyst David Des Roches said current US positioning in the Gulf indicates how any strike might unfold: first blinding Iran’s air defenses, then targeting the Revolutionary Guards Navy, long accused of tanker attacks and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz — a route for roughly a fifth of global oil. (Reuters)

“Both sides are sticking to their guns,” said Alan Eyre, a former US diplomat and Iran specialist, adding that nothing meaningful can emerge “unless the U.S. and Iran walk back from their red lines — which I don’t think they will.”

Eyre suggested Trump may feel boxed in by the visible military buildup. “What Trump can’t do is assemble all this military, and then come back with a ‘so-so’ deal and pull out the military. I think he thinks he’ll lose face,” he said. “If he attacks, it’s going to get ugly quickly.” (Reuters)

Two rounds of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington have stalled over core disputes, including uranium enrichment, ballistic missiles and sanctions relief.

The core US demand — no uranium enrichment on Iranian soil — remains unchanged. Tehran insists enrichment is a sovereign right and refuses to discuss its ballistic missile program, while denying it seeks nuclear weapons.

Iran is expected to submit a written proposal soon, while Araqchi has indicated a draft counterproposal is forthcoming.

Israel’s government believes Tehran and Washington are at an impasse and is preparing for the possibility of joint military action with the United States, according to Reuters which cited a source familiar with the planning. No final decision has been made.

Two Israeli officials told Reuters they see the diplomatic gaps as unbridgeable and assess that the chances of near-term military escalation are high.

Republican strategist Rob Godfrey warned that a prolonged conflict with Iran would pose serious political risks for Donald Trump and fellow Republicans.

He said Trump’s political base remains skeptical of foreign engagements and “forever wars.”

Godfrey said independent voters — often decisive in close elections — will closely evaluate how Trump handles Iran.

“Midterm voters and his base will be waiting for the president to make his case,” Godfrey said. (Reuters)

Aides to Donald Trump are urging him to focus more on voters’ economic concerns ahead of the midterm elections.

Advisers warn that military escalation with Iran carries significant political risks.

A senior White House official said there is no “unified support” within the administration for launching an attack.

Officials are concerned about sending a “distracted message” to undecided voters focused on the economy. (Reuters)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any new agreement with Iran must go beyond nuclear limits.

He called for restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program.

Rubio also urged addressing Tehran’s support for militant groups, including Yemen’s Houthis.

Human rights concerns inside Iran should be part of a “meaningful” deal, he said.

Iranian officials have pushed back, insisting talks remain limited to nuclear issues only. (Bloomberg)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will not yield to pressure amid nuclear talks with the United States.

"World powers are lining up to force us to bow our heads but we will not bow our heads despite all the problems that they are creating for us," Pezeshkian saidin a speech broadcast live on Iranian state television.

According to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, a draft counterproposal will be ready within days following nuclear talks with the United States.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said both sides agreed on “main guiding principles,” but stressed that a final deal is not imminent.

The draft counterproposal could be prepared within “two or three days.”

Additional talks may take place within about a week.

Araqchi expressed optimism that a diplomatic deal could be achieved in a short period of time.

Oil traders are monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil flows.

Iran recently claimed it briefly closed part of the narrow waterway, heightening concerns about potential shipping disruptions. In response, some Asian refiners have begun exploring alternative crude sources outside the Persian Gulf to reduce exposure.

The global oil market is experiencing its strongest start to a year since 2022, as unexpected supply disruptions and mounting geopolitical tensions overturn earlier expectations of a surplus. Traders who only weeks ago anticipated a record glut are now racing to hedge against the possibility of fresh U.S. military action against Iran.

Brent crude futures climbed to a seven-month high above $72 a barrel on Friday and are up roughly 18% since the end of last year.

US President Donald Trump referred to recent unrest in Iran, stating: “It’s a very, very, very sad situation.” He claimed that large numbers of people were killed during crackdowns, though the figures could not be independently verified.

In response, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said said the Iranian government has published a “comprehensive list” of fatalities and urged critics to review evidence. “If anyone doubts the accuracy of our data, please speak with evidence,” he posted on social media platform X.

Human rights monitoring group HRANA has reported thousands of verified deaths and additional cases under review.

A spokesperson for the United Nations expressed concern over heightened rhetoric and military activity.

“We encourage both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue to engage in diplomacy,” the spokesperson said.

Two US officials told Reuters that military planning related to Iran has reached an advanced stage.

According to the officials, options under review could include:

-Targeted strikes

-Operations involving specific individuals

-Broader actions if ordered by Trump

Amid heightened tension over potential strikes by the United States on Iran, a media report has said that President Donald Trump has been presented with “military options that involve directly targeting the supreme leader” and his son.

The bar for Iran's forthcoming nuclear proposal is very high because the plan would have to persuade the many skeptics in the Trump administration, said a report by Axios citing US officials.

"President Trump will be ready to accept a deal that would be substantive and that he can sell politically at home. If the Iranians want to prevent an attack they should give us an offer we can't refuse. The Iranians keep missing the window. If they play games there won't be a lot of patience," a senior US official told Axios.

Serbia has urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country "as soon as possible", after US President Donald Trump threatened military action over the Islamic republic's nuclear programme.

"Due to the deteriorating security situation, citizens of the Republic of Serbia are not recommended to travel to Iran in the coming period," Serbia’s foreign ministry said in a statement on its website published overnight Friday to Saturday.

"All those who are in Iran are recommended to leave the country as soon as possible."

United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reiterated concerns about heightened rhetoric and increased military activities in the region.

"We encourage both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue to engage in diplomacy in order to settle the differences," Dujarric told a regular news briefing at the UN.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back on US President Donald Trump’s remarks that 32,000 people were killed in Iran in a short period, calling on him to provide evidence.

“Iran's Government has already published a comprehensive list of all 3117 victims of recent terrorist operation, including about 200 officers,” Araghchi wrote on X.

“If anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence,” he added.

Iran's foreign minister said on Friday he expected to have a draft counterproposal ready within days following nuclear talks with the United States this week, while US President Donald Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in an interview on MS NOW, said he had a draft counterproposal that could be ready in the next two or three days for top Iranian officials to review, with more US-Iran talks possible in a week or so.

His statement came as Trump told reporters at the White House he is "considering" limited strike to pressure Iran into a deal. Asked later about Iran at a White House press conference, Trump added: "They better negotiate a fair deal."

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard on Friday urged Swedish citizens in Iran to leave the country, citing a “highly uncertain” situation in Iran and the region and referring to an “urgent appeal” to leave.

“The situation in Iran and in the region is highly uncertain. I therefore wish to emphasize the importance of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' advisory against all travel to Iran, and the urgent appeal to Swedish citizens who are in the country to leave,” Stenergard posted on X.

“It is still possible to leave Iran via air travel and border crossings. Swedes should leave Iran now while the opportunity exists and not wait. A significant personal responsibility rests with those individuals who choose to remain in Iran. The Ministry for Foreign Affai

Axios reported on Friday citing senior US officials and advisers that Trump is weighing a narrow Iran nuclear deal that could permit ‘token’ uranium enrichment while simultaneously being presented with Pentagon options that include a plan to kill Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son.

From fortifying nuclear facilities to rebuilding structures to conducting naval drills in the Persian Gulf, Iran seems to be taking steps to signal its readiness for war as the US continues its military buildup in the Middle East. Read full report here

The United States on Friday pledged to keep imposing visa restrictions on individuals involved in violently repressing and censoring Iranians, Assistant Secretary posted on X.

​“The United States will continue to pursue visa restrictions for individuals who violently repress and censor Iranians seeking to exercise their freedom of expression,” Mora Namdar said.

Trump is reportedly weighing a narrow Iran nuclear deal that could permit ‘token’ uranium enrichment while simultaneously being presented with Pentagon options that include a plan to kill Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son, Axios reported on Friday, citing senior US officials and advisers.

"The media may continue to speculate on the President's thinking all they want, but only President Trump knows what he may or may not do," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told Axios.

U.S. military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage with options including targeting individuals as part of an attack and even pursuing regime change in Tehran, if ordered by President Donald Trump, two U.S. officials told Reuters.

US President Donald Trump reportedly said on Friday he may be "considering" a limited strike on Iran.

"I guess I can say I am considering that," he said when asked about such a military campaign.

The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported the Trump administration is weighing an initial limited military strike on Iran to force it to meet his demands for a nuclear deal.

On Thursday, Trump said 10 to 15 days should be “enough time” for Iran to reach a deal.

US military planning on possible Iran action has reached an advanced stage, with options under consideration that range from targeting individual Iranian leaders to pursuing regime change if ordered by President Donald Trump, US officials were quoted as saying by Reuters.

Israel army says on 'defensive alert' regarding Iran but no change to public guidelines

Looks like Donald Trump will soon struck Iran. When asked if he was considering ‘limited strikes’ on Iran, the US President said, “I guess I can say I am considering that.”

This comes even as Tehran said that the draft nuclear deal will be ready in two to three days.

Day after Donald Trump gave a 10-day warning to Iran to make a deal or “bad things will happen”, Iran has said that the draft nuclear deal will be ready in 2-3 days.

Poland issued a warning to its citizens, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday saying, “Everyone who is still in Iran must leave immediately, and under no circumstances should anyone plan to travel to that country. The possibility of heated conflict is very real, and in a few, a dozen or several dozen hours, evacuation may no longer be an option.”