Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned it could target American-linked universities in West Asia, escalating tensions amid the ongoing conflict involving United States, Israel, and Iran.

In a statement carried by Iranian media, the IRGC claimed that recent US-Israeli strikes had destroyed two Iranian universities. It issued a direct warning, advising “employees, professors, and students of American universities in the region” to stay at least one kilometre away from campuses.

The group also set a deadline, demanding that Washington formally condemn the alleged attacks on Iranian academic institutions by Monday noon (Tehran time), warning of possible retaliation if its demand is not met.

The threat marks a significant escalation, as it expands potential targets beyond military and strategic infrastructure to include educational institutions linked to the United States across West Asia. While the IRGC did not name specific universities, the warning has raised concerns about the safety of students, faculty, and surrounding communities.

The development comes amid intensifying hostilities following weeks of US-Israeli military operations targeting Iranian assets, alongside missile exchanges that have already impacted parts of the region.

Security analysts warn that targeting or threatening civilian and educational institutions could further destabilize the situation and broaden the scope of the conflict. Universities in the region often host international students and staff, increasing the potential global implications of such threats.

There has been no immediate official response from Washington to the IRGC’s statement. However, the warning adds to mounting fears of a wider regional escalation, with civilian infrastructure increasingly drawn into the conflict.

As tensions rise, governments and institutions across West Asia are likely to review security protocols around campuses and public spaces linked to foreign entities.