TEHRAN, IRAN — Iranian state media reported in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, that a new wave of US-Israeli airstrikes has targeted multiple higher education institutions in the capital. The strikes mark a significant expansion of the 28-day conflict, moving beyond industrial and military sites into urban academic centers.
Targeted Institutions: IUST and Amirkabir
Reports from the semi-official Mehr News Agency and Al Jazeera indicate that at least two major universities were hit during the overnight bombardment:
1. Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST)
Located in northeast Tehran, IUST was reportedly struck during the latest aerial offensive.
- Casualties: While official government figures are still being tallied, it is confirmed that Saeed Shemkadri, a prominent faculty member in the Electrical Engineering department, was killed earlier this week on March 23 when his residence was targeted.
- Current Damage: Early reports suggest significant structural damage to campus buildings, though specific details on student or staff casualties from this morning’s strike remain unconfirmed.
2. Amirkabir University of Technology
Widely regarded as the “Polytechnic of Tehran,” Amirkabir was also listed as a target.
- Reported Impact: Oz Arab Media and other regional outlets reported “intense bombing” and “black smoke” rising from the university grounds.
- Student Safety: Emergency services are reportedly on-site, but communication outages in central Tehran have hindered real-time updates on the number of people inside the campus at the time of the strikes.
The Context: A “New Wave” of Airstrikes
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officially announced this morning that they have launched a “new wave” of attacks on Tehran in coordination with the United States.
- The Shift in Strategy: These strikes follow Friday’s heavy hits on Iran’s steel industry and nuclear facilities in Yazd and Arak. Analysts suggest the targeting of universities—often hubs for defense-related research and elite engineering—is intended to further degrade Iran’s long-term technical and military-industrial capacity.
- The Death Toll: Since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, the Iranian Ministry of Health reports that over 1,340 people have been killed, including the former Supreme Leader.
Retaliation and the Diplomatic “Stalemate”
In response to the strikes on Tehran, the IRGC has reiterated its warning of a “heavy price.”
- Retaliatory Missile Launch: Early today, Israel faced its first-ever ballistic missile attack from Yemen, which the Houthis claimed was in solidarity with Iran.
- The Pakistan Channel: This escalation occurs despite ongoing efforts by Pakistan to mediate a 15-point ceasefire proposal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that targeting civilian and academic infrastructure “belies the U.S. claim of seeking diplomacy” and directly contradicts President Trump’s recently extended 10-day deadline.
| Key University Targets | Location | Known Damage |
| IUST | Tehran (Northeast) | Targeted in latest wave; faculty casualties reported. |
| Amirkabir University | Tehran (Central) | Reports of intense bombing and black smoke. |
| Amir al-Momenin (IRGC) | Isfahan | Struck earlier in the campaign (March 9). |
Developing Story: We are monitoring Iranian state media for official casualty lists and any statements from the University of Tehran regarding student safety.
