Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has alleged that the United States and Israel have deliberately targeted Iranian universities and research institutions during the ongoing conflict. In a statement posted on X, Baqaei mentioned that universities, including Isfahan University of Technology and Iran University of Science and Technology, have been struck in the past month. He characterized these actions as efforts to “cripple our country’s scientific foundation and cultural heritage,” labeling claims regarding Iran’s nuclear program as “vicious pretexts” and “mere fabrications.”

Further Accusations from Government Officials

In a separate remark, Elyas Hazrati, who heads the Government Information Council, criticized what he referred to as “aggressors,” asserting that they are targeting the future of Iran by attacking educational institutions. He pointed out that these assaults affect students and schoolchildren alike. Hazrati claimed that such strikes jeopardize not only Iran’s present by destroying infrastructure but also its past through attacks on historical and cultural heritage. He asserted that Iran’s response would be “steadfast and unbreakable.”

Threats of Retaliation by the IRGC

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has indicated that it may respond by targeting universities connected to the United States or Israel in the region. Iranian state media, as reported, cited the IRGC stating that these institutions are considered “legitimate targets” following reports of attacks on the Iran University of Science and Technology located in Tehran. This warning from the IRGC signifies a notable escalation in tensions, raising concerns that academic institutions could become implicated in the broadening conflict amidst strained relations between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

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