Iran Accuses US-Israel of Attacking Universities, Threatens Retaliation on US Campuses in Middle East
In an escalation of the ongoing conflict, Iran has accused the United States and Israel of systematically targeting its universities and research centres, with the Revolutionary Guards threatening retaliation towards US university campuses across the Middle East.
Accusations and Threats
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that the US-Israel alliance was deliberately
striking Iranian academic institutions, including those in Isfahan and Tehran, aiming to cripple our country’s scientific foundation and cultural heritage.
He claimed at least 600 educational sites have been damaged or destroyed in these attacks1.
In response, the Revolutionary Guards issued a stark warning to the US. If the US government wants its universities in the region to be free from retaliation... it must condemn the bombing of the universities in an official statement by 12 noon on Monday, March 30, Tehran time,
the Guards said1. The statement also advised employees, professors, and students of American universities in the region and residents of their surrounding areas
to stay a kilometre away from campuses234.
Damages and Repercussions
Recent strikes have hit Iran's Isfahan University of Technology and the University of Science and Technology in Tehran, causing significant damage and injuries125. In response to these attacks and the subsequent threats from Iran, the American University of Beirut has shifted to remote operations out of caution1.
Iran has also threatened to target the residences of US and Israeli officials, declaring them 'legitimate' targets in retaliation for strikes on residential buildings in Iran6.
International Reactions and Further Escalation
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns internationally. Iran's accusations of the US-Israel alliance targeting universities, as well as cultural and historical monuments, are considered as an aggression against international law, according to Iran's diplomatic representative2.
Meanwhile, the US continues to warn Iran to accept a military defeat, with President Trump threatening Iran to make a deal or the U.S. will “keep blowing them away”74. The US has reinforced its force in the region with additional troops, escalating the tension6.
The United Nations Security Council's response to this conflict has been criticized as it seemingly allows for violations of international law8.
Current Status
As the conflict continues, there appears to be no immediate signs of de-escalation. Iran has not sent any proposals regarding a ceasefire2, and the US continues to press Iran to comply with all its demands2. This ongoing conflict not only endangers the lives of civilians and students but also threatens the stability of the region and international peace.