University students have the right toprotestbut everyone must "understand the red lines", the Iranian government's spokeswoman said Tuesday, in the first official reaction torenewed rallies on campusessince the weekend.

"Sacred things and the flag are two examples of these red lines that we must protect and not cross or deviate from, even at the height of anger," Fatemeh Mohajerani said.

She saidIran's students "have wounds in their hearts and have seen scenes that may upset and anger them; this anger is understandable".

University students in Iran started a new semester Saturday with pro- and anti-government rallies, according to local media, reviving slogans from nationwide demonstrations that peaked in January and led to thousands of deaths.

Protests first began in December sparked by economic woes in the sanctions-hit country, but grew into nationwide demonstrations on January 8 and 9.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has recorded more than 7,000 deaths, while warning the full toll is likely far higher.

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Iranian officials acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but say the violence was caused by "terrorist acts" fuelled by the United States andIsrael.

Mohajerani on Tuesday said a fact-finding mission is investigating "the causes and factors" of the protests and will provide reports.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Originally published on France24