{"id":348391,"date":"2026-09-28T19:18:58","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T18:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=348391"},"modified":"2026-09-28T19:34:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T18:34:34","slug":"student-protests-in-iran-link-inflation-and-compulsory-hijab-as-rial-hits-record-low","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/economy\/student-protests-in-iran-link-inflation-and-compulsory-hijab-as-rial-hits-record-low\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Protests in Iran Link Inflation and Compulsory Hijab as Rial Hits Record Low"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Students
Students at Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University in Tehran stage a protest on September 28, 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Three-minute read<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s new academic year is opening with protests that are rapidly crossing the boundary between campus grievances and broader political discontent. On September 28, 2026, students at Tehran\u2019s Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University protested<\/a> higher tuition, poor dormitory and food conditions, unemployment and compulsory hijab. Chants included \u201cInflation and high prices are the scourge of the people,\u201d \u201cForced labor, unemployment, compulsory hijab for women,\u201d and \u201cNo barracks, no business enterprise\u2014long live the university.\u201d Students also demanded the release of imprisoned students and warned: \u201cDon\u2019t think it\u2019s just one day; our date is every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

The timing is significant. Just one day earlier, the Ministry of Science ordered<\/a> universities to publicize and enforce a new \u201cgrooming, ethics and university conduct\u201d directive, including clothing compatible with what it calls \u201cIranian-Islamic culture,\u201d with particular emphasis on informing incoming students. Science Minister Hossein Simaei Sarraf said the guidelines \u201cmust definitely be implemented.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allameh is not isolated. Students at Lorestan University boycotted university food over its price and quality, while reports from Alzahra University said around 150 students had been barred from campus, many allegedly without written disciplinary rulings. Some reportedly discovered the restriction only when they attempted to enter.<\/p>\n

\n

The Iranian regime\u2019s own media are connecting the dots:
\u2022 Inflation: 83.8%
\u2022 January unrest began with an \u201c#economic<\/a> spark\u201d
\u2022 Security chiefs warn every \u201cspark\u201d could become a \u201cflame\u201d
\u2022 Universities, hijab and even pessimism are increasingly treated as security issues.\u2026<\/p>\n

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 26, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n