Universities open their doors to foreign paramilitary forces

In a controversial move, Iranian universities, particularly the prestigious University of Tehran, are actively recruiting foreign students with ties to paramilitary organisations, most notably Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces), writes Mahmoud Hakam for Iran News Update.

This development, announced by Mohammad Moghimi, president of Tehran University, on 15 August, has sparked debate and criticism within academic circles and beyond.

The recruitment of Hashd al-Shaabi members is part of a broader strategy to increase the presence of regime-loyal forces in Iranian universities. This initiative follows the introduction of increased quotas and scholarships for Basij (paramilitary volunteer militia) members in November 2022, a move widely seen as a response to widespread university protests at the time.
Full report on the Iran News Update site