Iran's Aref Urges Hijab-Ban Affected Azeri Girls to Study in Iran

Mohammadreza Aref, a senior Iranian official, in a post on X on [date not specified], thanked the Ministry of Science for announcing that Iranian universities are ready to admit Azerbaijani girls who wear the hijab. He also called on other education officials and university authorities to take necessary steps to ensure that these students can continue their studies.

The request comes amid reports of hijab-related restrictions in educational institutions in the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to earlier reports, some female students and teachers who wear the hijab had faced restrictions on attending educational institutions, which prompted protests in response.

Previously, the Basij Student Organization of the University of Tehran protested the reported restrictions by displaying a banner outside the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The organization's action was a response to the reported measures affecting hijab-wearing students and teachers in Azerbaijan.

Aref's statement highlights Iran's readiness to accommodate students affected by such restrictions. The Ministry of Science's announcement signals a formal pathway for Azerbaijani girls to pursue higher education in Iran. The call for other officials to facilitate the process underscores the importance placed on ensuring educational continuity for these students.

Aref's post on X specifically thanked the Ministry of Science for its readiness and urged broader support from education officials and university authorities. The developments reflect ongoing attention to the issue of hijab-related restrictions in Azerbaijan and the response from Iranian institutions. The report by Mehr News added that the Basij Student Organization's protest outside the Azerbaijani Embassy was part of the reaction to the restrictions.