Iran has threatened to target universities linked to the United States and Israel across the Middle East after accusing American and Israeli forces of striking two major Iranian institutions, including the Isfahan University of Technology and the Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran. In a statement, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that universities associated with the United States and Israel in the region would be considered legitimate targets and warned students and staff to stay away from such campuses.

The United States Embassy in Baghdad warned that Iran and allied militias may seek to attack American-affiliated universities in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk, as well as other institutions perceived to have ties to the United States. The embassy advised American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, citing previous attacks on United States citizens and facilities and warning that Iraqi authorities have not prevented such incidents.

Several academic institutions have begun responding to the threats. The American University of Beirut shifted classes online, while other American-linked universities in Iraq and the Gulf region are closely monitoring the situation. Numerous institutions across the Middle East, along with universities in Israel, could potentially be affected as tensions escalate.