Iran University Offers Scholarships to Expelled US Students

The head of a university in Iran is reportedly offering scholarships to students in the U.S. who have been expelled for taking part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses.

Mohammad Moazzeni, head of Shiraz University in the southern region of Fars, extended his proposal to those protesting Israel's actions in its war against Hamas, following clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement across America.

"Students and even professors who have been expelled or threatened with expulsion can continue their studies at Shiraz University and I think that other universities in Shiraz as well as Fars Province are also prepared [to provide the conditions]," he said, according to Irainian state-owned outlet Press TV.

U.S. students have been facing arrest or expulsion following their actions in support of a ceasefire in Gaza and the divestment of their universities from companies which support Israel.

Since April 18, more than 1,000 people have been arrested on over 25 campuses in at least 21 states, according to CNN, citing university and law enforcement statements. Pro-Palestinian protesters have also gathered on university campuses in Australia, Canada, France, Italy and the U.K. in recent days.

Tehran backs Hamas against Israel whose bombardment of the Gaza Strip has killed at least 34,000 people. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas for its October 7 attacks in which at least 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage.

Moazzeni accused Western police of "autocratic methods" and said they had demonstrated "a lot of violence in order to contain this raging movement and have even threatened to expel the students from universities and hinder their employment in the future," Press TV reported.

The agency added that Moazzeni was "announcing Shiraz University's decision to offer scholarships to students expelled from European and American universities."

Shiraz University, which Newsweek has contacted for further comment, was formerly known as Pahlavi University. Established in 1946, it is one of the Islamic republic's most prestigious universities and is listed among its top three research-oriented schools.

On Wednesday, police arrived on campus at the University of California, Los Angeles, after a violent confrontation broke out between pro-Palestinian protesters and Israel supporters in which pipes, Tasers and pepper spray were used, according to CNN.

Earlier, more than 200 protesters were arrested at Columbia University and City College of New York, where protesters have formed encampments and occupied a building.

Tulane University, Louisiana, said there had been at least 14 arrests at its campus, following protests. Seven students have been suspended, the university added.