American- and Israeli-linked universities across the Middle East have moved instruction online as a precaution after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned it may target institutions tied to the United States and Israel in the region. The measures, intended to protect students and staff amid rising tensions, include immediate shifts to remote learning at several major campuses.
The IRGC has reportedly said it will retaliate against institutions connected to the US and Israel in response to recent attacks on Iranian educational centers. In reaction to that threat, the American University of Beirut announced that, for security reasons, it would operate entirely remotely on Monday and Tuesday. Another American-affiliated university in Lebanon issued a similar notice, saying it would continue online instruction for the next two days as an extra precaution.
Qatar’s education ministry moved quickly on the first day of the conflict, announcing on 28 February that all schools, colleges and universities in the country would switch to distance learning indefinitely. The list of affected campuses includes high-profile institutions such as Georgetown University in Qatar, branches of Texas A&M, and Virginia Commonwealth University’s regional programs. Several American universities in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates made comparable decisions earlier this month.
The IRGC’s explicit targeting of educational institutions has introduced acute uncertainty across the region’s higher-education sector. Thousands of students now face disrupted semesters, with international students in Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE particularly constrained to their homes and online classrooms. Campus security forces have been reinforced and students have been urged to avoid nonessential travel.
The abrupt suspension of in-person teaching has also intensified concerns over laboratory work, examinations and academic continuity, contributing to heightened stress and anxiety among students. Human rights organizations and academic observers have condemned the threats, arguing that militarizing educational spaces violates international law and undermines the neutrality of learning environments.
As uncertainty persists, many students are reportedly considering returning to their home countries, a move that could have long-term consequences for regional academic collaboration and international student communities. Embassies in affected countries are closely monitoring the situation and urging their nationals to remain vigilant and prepared for any emergency developments.
Original Source: https://assam.nenow.in/following-threats-from-iran-u-s-universities-in-the-middle-east-are-transitioning-to-online-learning/
Category: অসম,আন্ত: ৰাষ্ট্ৰীয়,উত্তৰ-পূব,শিক্ষা,শীর্ষ সংবাদ
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Publish Date: 2026-03-30 12:37:00
