Iran Warns U.S. Universities In Middle East Over Attacks

[Mahmud]

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that American universities in the Middle East could become legitimate targets following alleged U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iranian universities. The warning came after reported strikes on Tehran University of Science and Technology and Isfahan University of Technology, which Iran claims were damaged in the attacks.

In a strong statement, the IRGC said the rulers of the White House should understand that American universities in West Asia may face retaliation if Iranian universities continue to be targeted. The group warned that all staff, professors, students, and nearby residents should stay at least one kilometer away from U.S.-linked universities in the region to remain safe.

Several American universities operate campuses in the Middle East, especially in Education City, where institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Weill Cornell Medicine have campuses. In the United Arab Emirates, both New York University and Rochester Institute of Technology also run academic programs.

The IRGC demanded that the United States officially condemn the bombing of Iranian universities by a set deadline, warning that failure to do so would lead to retaliation against U.S. institutions in the region. It also stated that any future attacks on Iranian universities or research centers would result in stronger responses and further threats.

Following the warning, Georgetown University Qatar announced that it would move to remote work and online classes until further notice as a precautionary safety measure. The decision was made to protect students and staff while monitoring the developing security situation in the region.

Similarly, the American University of Beirut also shifted its operations to remote learning for Monday and Tuesday. University President Fadlo R. Khuri said the decision was taken out of caution to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community during the rising tensions.

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