Iranian universities and research centers have been targeted in recent strikes, marking a new escalation in the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, with academic institutions now on the frontline.
Attacks on Iranian Academic Institutions
Iran's Ministry of Science reported that at least 21 universities have been damaged since the conflict began. The Iran University of Science and Technology, a key engineering institution, was hit, with videos showing destroyed research centers and burning buildings. The university condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and reported no casualties.
International Law and Expert Concerns
Janina Dill, professor at the University of Oxford, stated that attacking civilian infrastructure like universities can constitute a war crime unless they are used for military purposes. She noted that education or research alone does not make a building a legitimate military target.
Iranian Threats and Regional Impact
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to target American- and Israeli-affiliated universities in the Middle East in retaliation. This led to precautionary measures:
- American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University shifted to online learning.
- Qatar's Education Ministry ordered all schools and universities to switch to distance learning, affecting US-affiliated campuses like Georgetown and Texas A&M.
- Northwestern University in Qatar temporarily closed its building.
Similar actions were taken in the UAE and Kuwait.
Analysis of Escalation
Dina Esfandiary of Bloomberg Economics suggested that Israel's objectives differ from the US, aiming to disrupt Iran and sow chaos. Iran's response has been calibrated, threatening Gulf states but allowing time for de-escalation.
Future Outlook
Iran's new academic term starting in early April will be held virtually until further notice, highlighting the ongoing disruption to education in the region.
