Iran Issues Warning to Target US and Israeli Universities Amid Ongoing Conflict
Iran's Threat to US and Israeli Institutions
Iran has issued a stark warning, indicating it may target universities in the United States and Israel. This statement follows accusations that these nations have been intentionally attacking numerous educational and research institutions during the ongoing conflict. The warning was reported by Tasnim News Agency, referencing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which declared that universities associated with the US and Israel in the region are now deemed "legitimate targets." Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, accused both nations of deliberately striking various universities and research facilities, including Isfahan University of Technology and Iran University of Science and Technology. In a post on social media platform X, Baghaei claimed these attacks aim to undermine Iran's scientific and cultural foundations by systematically targeting educational institutions, research centers, historical sites, and notable scientists. He further asserted that the US and Israeli justifications for countering Iran's nuclear ambitions are merely deceptive excuses designed to mask their true intentions.
Reports from Iranian media indicate that the University of Science and Technology in Tehran was among the locations affected by recent strikes. Mehr News Agency noted that the university sustained damage, although there has been no official confirmation regarding casualties or the extent of the destruction. The Israeli military has stated that it has initiated a new series of strikes on Tehran in collaboration with the United States. Iranian sources reported that Saeed Shemkadri, a faculty member in the electrical engineering department, was killed when his residence was targeted on March 23.
Impact of the Ongoing Conflict
The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has escalated, affecting the broader Middle Eastern region for over a month. The fighting, which commenced on February 28, has led to significant casualties and displacement. Here are the reported figures from various countries:
Iran: The Iranian Red Crescent reports at least 1,900 fatalities due to strikes since the conflict began. Earlier this month, Iran's foreign minister stated that "hundreds of Iranian civilians," including over 200 children, have lost their lives.
Lebanon: The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has reported at least 1,189 deaths from Israeli strikes since March 2, with 124 of those being children.
Iraq: Authorities indicate that at least 99 individuals have died across the nation, with 13 fatalities reported in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region.
Israel: Israeli officials report 19 civilian deaths since the onset of the conflict, not including indirect casualties from attacks. The Israel Defense Forces have also confirmed the deaths of four soldiers in southern Lebanon.
United States: According to US Central Command, 13 service members have been killed, with additional deaths linked to the conflict reported in several other nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, the West Bank, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.