Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned on Sunday that universities linked to the United States and Israel in the region are now “legitimate targets” in retaliation for attacks on Iranian educational institutions.
The IRGC, in a statement carried by the semi-official Fars News Agency, accused the US and Israel of repeatedly striking Iranian universities, including Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran.
The statement said, “From now on, all universities of the occupying entity (Israel) and American universities in West Asia will be considered legitimate targets.” It also urged staff, students, and nearby residents to stay at least one kilometre away from these universities for their safety.
On Wednesday, the IRGC demanded that Washington condemn attacks on universities, warning of retaliatory measures if no action is taken.
Iranian media reported that US and Israeli strikes have hit educational institutions, including Isfahan University of Technology and Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran.
Since February 28, the US and Israel have conducted airstrikes on Iran, killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has carried out drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military bases.
These strikes have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation, escalating tensions across the region.
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Pakistan’s growing diplomatic importance is once again in the spotlight as top regional leaders gather in Islamabad for crucial talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.
A two-day meeting of foreign ministers from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt is currently underway in Pakistan, where leaders are discussing ways to help end the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The high-level engagement highlights Islamabad’s rising role in global diplomacy at a time when tensions continue to impact the wider region.
