Iran Threatens Strikes on American Universities in Mideast

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that U.S.-affiliated universities in the Middle East are legitimate targets and told staff and students to stay at least one kilometer from campuses. Several American schools in the region have moved instruction online and relocated students and staff.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a public statement saying U.S.-affiliated universities in neighboring Middle Eastern countries are legitimate targets. The statement warned employees, professors and students to remain at least one kilometer from those campuses. It also accused the United States and Israel of actions against Tehran University of Science and Technology. American universities have established multiple campuses across the region and some have adjusted operations. Key details: - The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced U.S.-affiliated universities in the region are legitimate targets and advised staff and students to keep at least one kilometer from campuses. - The statement included accusations directed at the United States and Israel regarding Tehran University of Science and Technology. - Several American institutions operate regional campuses, including New York University's Abu Dhabi campus and multiple universities in Qatar's Education City such as Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern and Texas A&M. - Some schools have shifted to remote instruction or closed campuses; NYU reported moving to remote instruction and relocating people off campus, and Texas A&M said its Qatar campus was closed with instruction online. - About 4,900 Americans studied in the Middle East and North Africa in 2023–2024, with roughly 1,100 in the United Arab Emirates, according to the Institute of International Education's Open Doors project. Summary: This announcement broadens Iran's public list of potential targets and has coincided with universities shifting to remote instruction and relocating students and staff. Undetermined at this time.