Iran threatens strikes on US universities in the Middle East
Photo: Iran threatens strikes on US universities in the Middle East (RBC-Ukraine collage)
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened attacks on American universities in the Middle East, according to The Times of Israel.
The threats came after Iran claimed that US and Israeli airstrikes had destroyed two Iranian universities.
"If the US government wants its universities in the region to be free from retaliation… it must condemn the bombing of the universities in an official statement by 12 noon on Monday, March 30, Tehran time," reads a statement published by Iranian media.
Iranian authorities have advised all staff, faculty, and students of American universities in the region, as well as local residents nearby, to stay at least one kilometer away from campuses.
Several American universities have campuses across the Persian Gulf region, including Texas A&M University in Qatar and New York University in the United Arab Emirates.
US-Iran tensions
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that he wants to avoid a prolonged war and hopes to resolve the conflict within the coming weeks. According to media reports, the president insists on adhering to previously established timelines.
As part of preparations for negotiations, Trump paused strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days. He said the move was made at Iran’s request and that talks with the Iranian side "are going very well."
Iran has also promised to submit a counterproposal for a peaceful settlement. The White House stated that it is awaiting an official signal from Tehran.
At the same time, media reports indicate that the Pentagon is preparing for potential ground operations in Iran, which could last several weeks depending on Trump's decisions.
