Iran says US-Israel strikes have targeted dozens of universities and research institutions

Iran's government claims that coordinated US and Israeli military strikes have heavily damaged dozens of universities and research institutions since fighting intensified on February 28, 2026, including prestigious Tehran's Sharif University of Technology. The Iranian government characterizes these strikes as a deliberate targeting of the country's academic sector, marking an escalation in the scope of military operations. This development carries global significance as attacks on universities represent potential violations of international humanitarian law and signal a widening military campaign that extends beyond traditional military targets into civilian research and educational infrastructure. The strikes reflect deepening US-Israel military coordination against Iran and suggest a significant expansion of the conflict's reach into Iran's knowledge economy.