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Iran Universities: New Frontline in US-Israel War Escalation

Iranian universities have been attacked in the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran, with at least 21 institutions damaged. Israel claims it targets military infrastructure, but Iran and international experts warn of potential war crimes. Iran has threatened retaliation against US-Israeli linked universities in the Gulf, leading to widespread online learning in Lebanon, Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait. Analysts highlight differing objectives between Israel and the US, and Iran's step-by-step escalation. The conflict has severely disrupted higher education regionally, with Iranian universities set to resume virtually in April.

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Iran Universities: New Frontline in US-Israel War Escalation

Iranian universities and scientific research centers have become targets in the escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, with at least 21 institutions damaged and threats of retaliation disrupting education across the Middle East.

Attacks on Academic Institutions

  • Iran's Ministry of Science reported that at least 21 universities have been damaged in strikes since the war began over a month ago.
  • CNN geolocated videos showing destruction at Iran University of Science and Technology, including a research center reduced to rubble, fires, and shattered windows in adjacent buildings.
  • The university, founded in 1929, stated that US-Israeli strikes caused damage but no casualties, and condemned the attacks as violations of international law.

International Law and War Crime Concerns

  • Janina Dill, professor of global security at the University of Oxford, warned that attacking civilian infrastructure like universities could constitute a war crime unless they are used for military purposes, such as storing weapons or planning attacks.
  • Manouchehr Moradi, Deputy for Research at the University of Tehran, described universities as "homes of thought and dialogue" and called on the international academic community to defend academic independence against violence.
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Israeli and US Military Positions

  • The Israeli military claimed it targeted military infrastructure at some university sites, including the IRGC-affiliated Imam Hossein University, alleging facilities were used for weapons development.
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the campaign as part of efforts to degrade Iran's nuclear program, citing the killing of Iranian nuclear scientists.
  • Analyst Dina Esfandiary of Bloomberg Economics noted that Israel's objectives may diverge from the US, aiming to disrupt and change the Iranian government, while Iran follows a calibrated escalation pattern.

Regional Disruption from Retaliation Threats

  • Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to target American- and Israeli-affiliated universities in the Middle East in response to the strikes.
  • This prompted precautionary shifts to online learning in several countries:
    • Lebanon: American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University moved to remote operations.
    • Qatar: Education Ministry ordered all schools and universities to switch to distance learning on February 28; US-affiliated campuses like Georgetown, Texas A&M, and Northwestern remain online-only.
    • UAE and Kuwait: US-affiliated institutions implemented similar measures.
  • Esfandiary cautioned that attacking US universities in the Gulf could erode international sympathy for Iran.

Academic Future in Iran

  • Iran's new academic term begins in early April, with all classes scheduled to be held virtually until further notice.
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