Tehran, Feb. 22 -- Anti-government protests continued for a second consecutive day across several university campuses in Iran's two largest cities, Tehran and Mashhad, New York Times reported, citing student groups and human rights organisations, even as authorities maintain a crackdown on dissent.

The demonstrations were reported at least seven university campuses in Tehran, and in the northeastern city of Mashhad, student groups said. Videos verified by international media showed students gathering and chanting slogans despite heightened security.

The protests mark some of the first major campus unrest since security forces suppressed nationwide demonstrations in January. According to rights groups, thousands were killed during the cr...