IRGC declares US-linked campuses 'legitimate targets' as universities shut down across region

TEHRAN, IRAN: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that American-affiliated university campuses in the Middle East could be targeted in response to recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian educational institutions.

The warning on Sunday, March 29, prompted several universities across the region to shift to remote learning as a precaution. 

The developments come amid heightened tensions more than a month into the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Officials and institutions have cited safety concerns as the situation continues to evolve.

IRGC warns US-linked campuses could be targeted

The IRGC said US-affiliated campuses in the Middle East could become “legitimate targets” unless Washington formally condemned recent strikes on Iranian universities.

The statement, first reported by Iranian media, linked the warning to damage caused to educational facilities in Tehran during overnight strikes.

According to reports, buildings at a university in northeastern Tehran were damaged, though no casualties were recorded.

The IRGC described the strikes as attacks on higher education infrastructure and signaled potential retaliation against institutions it associates with the United States and its allies.

The statement also included a public advisory urging staff, students, and nearby residents to maintain distance from such campuses.

It recommended staying at least one kilometer away from affected sites, underscoring concerns about possible escalation.

Several US-affiliated universities operate in the region, including Texas A&M University at Qatar and New York University Abu Dhabi.

These institutions are part of a broader network of international campuses across the Gulf, many of which have been monitoring the security situation closely since the conflict began.

Universities shift to remote learning amid security concerns

In response to the warning, multiple universities announced temporary closures of physical campuses and a transition to online learning. American University of Beirut said it would operate fully remotely for two days “out of an abundance of caution.”

Similarly, Lebanese American University confirmed it would switch to “fully online operations” over the same period as a precautionary measure. 

The shift reflects broader trends across the region since the conflict began.

Several institutions had already moved to remote instruction earlier, including Georgetown University in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.

Authorities in Qatar had also implemented nationwide measures affecting education. The country’s education ministry previously directed all schools and universities to adopt distance learning at the outset of the conflict.

Other institutions, including the American University of Kuwait, American University in Dubai, and American University of Ras Al Khaimah, have similarly transitioned to online formats in recent weeks.