Iran attack threat prompts US universities to take precautions

Iran has warned that American University campuses in the Middle East could become “legitimate targets”, after claiming that recent US and Israeli strikes damaged two of its universities.

The threat, issued in a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said US-affiliated institutions in the region could face retaliation unless Washington formally condemns the attacks.

It added that “all Israeli and American universities located in the West Asia region would become legitimate targets until two universities are struck in retaliation for the destroyed Iranian universities”.

The statement also urged “all employees, professors and students of American universities in the region and residents of their surrounding areas” to stay at least one kilometre away from campuses to “preserve their lives”.

Several US universities operate branch campuses across the Gulf, including Texas A&M University in Qatar and New York University in the United Arab Emirates. These campuses host thousands of students and staff, and form part of long-running efforts by Gulf states to attract international higher education providers.

The warning has already prompted precautionary measures across the region.

The American University of Beirut said, while there was “no evidence of direct threats” to the institution or its hospital, it would move teaching fully online on 30 and 31 March “out of an abundance of caution”, with essential personnel attending the campus.

In a letter, Fadlo Khuri, president of the university, says “there will be no instructional activities or exams on campus during these two days” and that “our highest priority has always been and will always be the safety of our community and the people we serve”.

He added that the university “has stood for the peaceful emancipation and progress of the people we educate and serve for more than a century and a half”.

In Jordan, the American University of Madaba said it had moved teaching online until 2 April for about 3,000 students at its campus southwest of Amman.

Elsewhere, the US embassy in Iraq warned that Iran and allied militias “may intend to target the American universities in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah and Dohuk, along with other universities perceived to be associated with the United States,” and reiterated its advice that US citizens leave the country.

Many universities across the region have already shifted classes online since the conflict escalated in late February.

The warning follows reports that Tehran was hit by strikes overnight between Friday and Saturday. Iranian media said the University of Science and Technology in the northeast of the capital was among the sites affected, with buildings damaged but no casualties reported.

The escalation raises fresh concerns about the vulnerability of international university campuses operating in politically sensitive regions.

Iranian higher education has also faced mounting disruption throughout the conflict. Recent internet shutdowns have left students unable to access application portals, email correspondence and visa systems, raising concerns that some may miss international admissions deadlines and interviews.

tash.mosheim@timeshighereducation.com