American University Of Beirut Switches To Remote Learning Due To Strike Threat

BEIRUT, March 30 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Classes at the American University of Beirut (AUB) have been moved to remote learning on Monday and Tuesday due to Iran's threat to strike universities with ties to the United States in West Asia, AUB President Fadlo Khuri said, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

Previously, Press TV reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had designated Israeli and US universities in West Asia as legitimate targets for strikes following both countries' attack on a university in Tehran.

"At this time, we have no evidence of direct threats against our university, its campuses or medical centres. At the same time, out of an abundance of caution, we will operate fully online on Monday and Tuesday, with the exception of essential personnel. Accordingly, there will be no instructional activities or exams on campus during these two days," Khuri said in a statement.

The head of AUB emphasised that the American University of Beirut had championed peaceful development and progress for its students for over a century and a half. He stressed that for 160 years, the university had remained an open, independent, and inclusive educational institution, welcoming people regardless of their religion, political views, or background, and that the university's medical centres continued to treat and care for people from all layers of society.

On Feb 28, the United States and Israel began striking targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran has retaliated by launching strikes on Israeli territory, as well as on US military installations in West Asia.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI