<br><br>**Iran's Government Issues Warning to Students Amidst Ongoing Protests**<br><br>PARIS — In an effort to quell growing student protests, Iran's government has issued a stern warning students have a right to peaceful assembly, but they must respect red lines that are deemed sacred. This marks the first official reaction from Tehran to the renewed anti-government rallies on campuses.<br><br>**Student Protests Continue**<br><br>University students in Iran kicked off a new semester with gatherings over the weekend, reviving slogans from nationwide protests against the country's clerical leadership that peaked in January and were met by a deadly government crackdown. On Monday, the third consecutive day of campus protests, videos showed students at a university in Tehran burning the Iranian flag adopted by the Islamic Republic after the 1979 revolution.<br><br>**Government Spokesperson Emphasizes Importance of Respect**<br><br>Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani emphasized that sacred things and the national flag are two examples of red lines that must be respected and protected, even in times of great anger or frustration. Iran's students, she added, have suffered wounds and trauma from past events, and their protests reflect deep-seated grievances.<br><br>**Historical Context**<br><br>Iran's initial wave of protests began in December, sparked by economic woes and political repression. The unrest quickly grew into nationwide demonstrations that crested on January 8 and 9, posing a significant challenge to Iran's leaders. The violence prompted a deadly government crackdown that resulted in thousands of casualties.<br><br>**US Involvement**<br><br>The United States-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has recorded more than 7,000 deaths associated with the protests, while warning that the true toll may be higher. Iranian officials acknowledge over 3,000 deaths, attributing the violence to terrorist acts fueled by the United States and Israel.<br><br>**Fact-Finding Mission**<br><br>Mohajerani announced that a fact-finding mission is investigating the causes and factors behind the protests and will provide reports. The US has been building pressure on Iran, with President Donald Trump threatening military intervention in support of the protesters. However, his focus soon shifted to Iran's nuclear program.<br><br>**Escalating Tensions**<br><br>Since then, the US has carried out a massive military buildup in the Middle East aimed at pressuring Tehran into cutting a deal. The two sides are set to resume indirect negotiations on Thursday in Geneva. Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate, with Iran vowing to retaliate ferociously against any attack from the US.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>As tensions persist, it is clear that this situation is far from resolving itself anytime soon. With the sound of military jets taking off and other ominous sounds reverberating through the Middle East, it remains to be seen how these protests will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
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