Tehran, March 29 (NationPress) On Sunday, Iran accused both the United States and Israel of intentionally targeting its educational institutions, claiming that assaults on universities like Isfahan University of Technology and Tehran University of Science and Technology are part of a larger strategy to undermine the nation's scientific and cultural integrity.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed allegations linking these assaults to nuclear issues, stating that they serve as a facade for broader aggression.

In a post on X, Baqaei asserted, "Isfahan University of Technology and the University of Science and Technology in Tehran are merely two examples among numerous universities and research centers that have been deliberately attacked by aggressors over the last month during their unlawful war against the Iranian people."

He further accused the attackers of orchestrating a systematic effort against Iran's intellectual and cultural infrastructure.

"In reality, the American-Israeli aggression against Iran continues to unveil its true aim: to dismantle our scientific foundations and cultural heritage by systematically assaulting universities, research centers, historical sites, and prominent scholars. The narrative surrounding Iran's 'nuclear program' and 'imminent threats' are mere pretexts—fabrications meant to obscure their actual intentions," he added.

In light of these accusations, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning, indicating that universities affiliated with the United States and Israel in the West Asian region could be deemed legitimate targets in retaliation for the alleged attacks on Iranian institutions.

A statement shared via the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Telegram condemned recent events, including what it termed as the bombardment of the University of Science and Technology in Tehran.

"The American-Zionist forces have yet again targeted Iranian universities by attacking the Tehran University of Science and Technology," the statement read, as cited by IRIB.

The IRGC's statement warned that institutions linked to the US and Israel across West Asia might face retaliatory measures if certain conditions are not met. They also advised individuals near these campuses to exercise caution.

"The reckless leaders in the White House should realize that all universities associated with the occupying regime and American universities in the West Asian region are our legitimate targets, justifying the destruction of two universities in retaliation for those damaged in Iran. We advise all staff, faculty, and students of American universities in the area, as well as local residents, to maintain a distance of at least one kilometer from these universities to ensure their safety," it concluded, as reported by IRIB.