Iranian Officials Draft New University Hijab Directives Amid War Constraints

Key points

• Saeed Karami, deputy of the Supreme Leader’s representative in universities, confirmed that a new hijab directive is drafted and will be issued by the Ministries of Science and Health.
• Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, a member of the Expediency Council, stated that 'war conditions' prevent authorities from enforcing hijab as extensively as desired, citing the difficulty of managing public behavior during conflict.
• Hardliners, including Basij professors and lawmakers, are pressuring the government to implement the 'Chastity and Hijab Law' and revive verbal warning groups to enforce dress codes.
• Women continue to defy mandatory hijab in public spaces, with citizens reporting increased economic pressure, business closures, and confrontations with authorities.
• The new academic year is approaching, with officials warning that they will not tolerate 'bitter occurrences' on university campuses similar to those seen on the streets.

Background

This development follows a renewed push for hijab enforcement in August 2026, where hardliners sought to implement a tougher law that was previously halted by the Supreme National Security Council due to fears of unrest. The current situation is exacerbated by ongoing military conflict, economic strain, and a recent crackdown on protesters, including the execution of two young sisters in Isfahan. Previous archive coverage noted that while the regime prioritizes other crises, it continues to attempt to enforce dress codes through indirect means like business closures.

How outlets are covering it

Iran International highlights the tension between the desire for strict enforcement and the practical limitations imposed by 'war conditions,' noting that officials are avoiding direct street enforcement to prevent new protests. IranWire and GünAz TV focus on the bureaucratic aspect, emphasizing the drafting of a new 'directive' rather than a 'charter' and the involvement of the Ministries of Science and Health. The Basij professors, as reported by Latest news from Azerbaijan, call for a 'wise, persuasive' approach to avoid social division, while hardliners like lawmaker Mohammad-Taghi Naghdali criticize the government for a 'retreat' on hijab. CNN, cited by Iran International, notes that authorities are relying on legal measures and economic pressure rather than direct confrontation to avoid triggering another wave of protests.

Why it matters

The drafting of new university hijab directives signals a potential escalation in the regime's attempt to enforce social control during a period of military conflict and economic crisis. The admission that 'war conditions' limit enforcement suggests that the regime is balancing its ideological goals with the risk of public unrest. This development could lead to increased tensions on university campuses and further economic pressure on businesses, potentially exacerbating the existing social and political instability in Iran.

What to watch

The Ministries of Science and Health are expected to issue the new hijab directive soon, likely before the start of the new academic year. Hardliners may continue to pressure the government to implement the 'Chastity and Hijab Law' and revive enforcement mechanisms. The regime may face increased public resistance and economic pressure as it attempts to enforce dress codes during a period of conflict and hardship.