(Lebanon, 30th) The American University of Beirut in Lebanon announced on Sunday that, in light of threats from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps to attack American universities in the Middle East, it will adopt remote teaching for the next two days.
The university's president, Dr. Khuri, stated on Sunday (March 29): "Like many of you, we learned early this morning of threats against American universities in the region."
"Currently, we have no evidence that our university, campus, or medical center is under direct threat. However, out of an abundance of caution, except for essential personnel, we will move to online teaching for all classes on Monday and Tuesday."
Khuri added that courses and exams would be conducted remotely.
Khuri added that courses and exams would be conducted remotely.
In retaliation for US-Israeli airstrikes that destroyed two Iranian universities, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened on Sunday to target universities inside Israel as well as American universities in the Middle East in a tit-for-tat response.
The Guard Corps gave the US government a deadline to issue an official statement by noon Monday (30th) Tehran time (4:30pm Monday Singapore time) condemning the attacks on Iranian universities, or else more American universities would face retaliation.
The statement advised all faculty, students, and nearby residents of American universities in the Middle East to stay at least one kilometer away from university facilities.
The Guard Corps gave the US government a deadline to issue an official statement by noon Monday (30th) Tehran time (4:30pm Monday Singapore time) condemning the attacks on Iranian universities, or else more American universities would face retaliation.
The statement advised all faculty, students, and nearby residents of American universities in the Middle East to stay at least one kilometer away from university facilities.
Some American universities have campuses in the Persian Gulf region, such as Texas A&M University and Northwestern University, which have branch campuses in Qatar, while New York University has one in the United Arab Emirates.
In Lebanon, the American University of Beirut is one of the region's most renowned American higher education institutions. Both the university and its affiliated hospital are located in downtown Beirut.
In Jordan, the American University of Madaba, located about 35 kilometers southwest of the capital Amman, also announced it will offer online courses for its 3,000 students until Thursday.