Amanze Chinonye
Student-led protests have erupted across several Iranian cities, with demonstrators chanting “Death to Khamenei” and other anti-government slogans, as U.S. President Donald Trump urged Tehran’s leaders to negotiate what he described as a “fair deal” and sharply criticized the country’s human rights record.
Demonstrations were reported at major universities in Tehran and Mashhad, where students gathered on campus grounds and surrounding streets calling for “Freedom” and denouncing the leadership of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
At institutions including Sharif University of Technology and Amirkabir University of Technology, videos circulated by regional media showed crowds chanting “Death to the dictator,” a slogan widely understood to refer to Khamenei.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSome footage also showed confrontations between protesters and members of the Basij paramilitary force, though the full scale of arrests or injuries has not been independently confirmed.
Protests were also reported in parts of western Iran, including towns in Ilam Province, where residents gathered in solidarity with detained activists and echoed anti-government chants. Iranian state media has not provided detailed reporting on the latest unrest.
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The demonstrations follow months of sporadic protests linked to economic hardship, political repression and anger over previous security crackdowns. Casualty figures from earlier unrest remain disputed between Iranian authorities and opposition groups.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump urged Iran’s leadership to negotiate. “They better negotiate a fair deal,” he told reporters.
“You know, the people of Iran are a lot different than the leaders of Iran, and it’s a very, very, very sad situation,” Trump said, expressing sympathy for ordinary Iranians. He claimed that 32,000 people were killed in Iran over a “relatively short period of time,” though independent verification of that figure has not been provided by international monitors.
Trump also alleged that Iranian authorities had planned mass executions during recent unrest. “They were going to hang 800, two weeks ago, some by crane,” he said. Referring to last month’s protests, he added: “They were going to hang 837 people and I gave them the word: ‘If you hang one person, even one person, that you’re going to be hit right then and there.’ … They gave up the hanging. They didn’t hang 837. Supposedly they didn’t hang anybody.”
There has been no immediate public response from Iranian officials confirming or addressing Trump’s claims regarding halted executions.
Earlier on Friday, Trump said he was “considering” a limited military strike to pressure Iran into an agreement, without elaborating on potential targets or timing. The remarks mark a sharp escalation in rhetoric amid renewed domestic unrest in Iran.
Analysts say the convergence of renewed student activism and heightened U.S. pressure adds uncertainty to an already volatile situation, as Tehran faces both internal dissent and mounting international scrutiny over its human rights record.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
