TEHRAN — The Iranian government issued a scathing formal accusation on Sunday, March 29, 2026, alleging that the United States and Israel are “deliberately” targeting academic institutions and scientific infrastructure to cripple the nation’s intellectual foundation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei claimed that the month-long “Operation Epic Fury” has moved beyond military targets to a systematic campaign against centers of learning, research centers, and historical monuments.
The accusation follows verified reports of overnight strikes hitting the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in Tehran and previous damage to the Isfahan University of Technology.
The “Scientific Sabotage” Allegation
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Baqaei argued that the coalition is using the pretext of dismantling the nuclear program to justify the destruction of Iran’s civilian academic heritage.
- Cited Institutions: Baqaei specifically named IUST and Isfahan University of Technology as victims of deliberate bombardment.
- Cripple Doctrine: “The American-Zionist aggression… continues to reveal its true objective: to cripple our country’s scientific foundation and cultural heritage,” the post read.
- Casualty Claims: While some facilities were evacuated, the Red Crescent Society of Iran reported today that at least 600 educational sites across the country have sustained varying degrees of damage or destruction since February 28.
IRGC Ultimatum: Universities as “Legitimate Targets”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) went a step further, issuing a “stern warning” that American and Israeli universities across the Middle East are now considered legitimate military targets in retaliation.
- The March 30 Deadline: The IRGC demanded that the U.S. government officially condemn the bombing of Iranian universities by 12:00 PM (Tehran Time) on Monday, March 30.
- The 1-Kilometer Warning: In a chilling broadcast via IRIB, the IRGC advised all students, faculty, and residents living near American or Israeli-affiliated campuses in the region (such as Texas A&M in Qatar or NYU in Abu Dhabi) to maintain a 1-kilometer safety radius until further notice.
- Retaliation Doctrine: The statement warned of the “destruction of two universities” in the region for every Iranian university destroyed by the coalition.
The Coalition Justification: “Human Shields”
While the U.S. and Israel have not officially responded to the specific “university targeting” label, intelligence reports suggest a different tactical reality.
- Dual-Use Facilities: The IDF previously identified the Satellite Research Center at IUST as a front for IRGC ballistic missile and guidance technology development.
- Civilian Proximity: Reports in the Jerusalem Post indicate that Iranian security forces have increasingly moved operations into schools, universities, and hospitals to deter strikes—a tactic known as using “human shields.”
- The Shamgadari Hit: On March 23, Professor Saeed Shamgadari, a faculty member at IUST and ballistic missile expert, was killed in a targeted strike, which Iran cites as proof that the coalition is “assassinating the future.”
Current Status of Academic Strikes
| Date | Institution | Reported Damage |
| March 28 | IUST (Tehran) | Satellite Research Center destroyed; dorms damaged. |
| March 25 | Isfahan Univ. of Tech | Aerospace labs and industrial centers hit. |
| March 11 | Elementary School (Bandar Abbas) | 170 killed in a strike targeting adjacent IRGC naval base. |
| March 7 | Imam Hossein University | Heavy damage to military-affiliated research wings. |
What’s Next?
The IRGC’s Monday deadline puts regional universities on high alert just as the Islamabad Channel peace talks begin. If the U.S. does not issue the demanded condemnation by noon tomorrow, the risk of a “tit-for-tat” academic war—targeting prestigious Western campuses in the Gulf—becomes a reality.
