Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened on Sunday (March 29) to attack schools in the Middle East region associated with the United States and Israel. Many universities have taken precautionary measures in response to this threat, with campuses being closed and classes moved online.
The President of the American University of Beirut in Lebanon stated in a letter on Sunday that due to the threat from IRGC, the university will switch to online classes on Monday (March 30) and Tuesday (March 31) as a “highly cautious” measure.
“We always and forever prioritize the safety of our community and the people we serve,” the letter said.
The Lebanese American University also announced on its website that in light of the widespread threats facing educational institutions in the region, the university will transition to “comprehensive online teaching” on Monday and Tuesday.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement on Sunday warning that Iran and its allied militias “may intend to attack American universities located in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk, as well as other universities considered to be affiliated with the United States.”
The statement reiterated the warning, urging American citizens to leave Iraq.
Since the outbreak of the Iran war, many universities in the Middle East region have shifted to online classes. The American University of Kuwait, the American University in Dubai, and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah all announced earlier this month that they will conduct online classes.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Qatari Ministry of Education announced on February 28 (the first day of the war) that all kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, educational centers, and universities nationwide will switch to remote learning until further notice.
Georgetown University in Qatar, Texas A&M University in Qatar, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts in Qatar have all declared that all courses will be conducted online until further notice.
(This article references CNN’s reporting.)