By Arshaluys Barseghyan
The American University of Armenia (AUA) temporarily shifted to remote lectures following threats from Iran to target US and Israeli universities in retaliation for attacks on Iranian universities. The AUA described the move as a “precautionary measure,” while stressing that it has received no direct threats.
The university released a statement on Monday, March 30, noting that all classes planned for the day would be held “fully online.” The next day, university officials announced that classes had gone back to in-person.
It added that the AUA was “monitoring the situation closely” and would provide updates on any changes to the schedule if they occur.
“In taking this step, we emphasize that we have received no direct threats against our university, and no indication that we are in any kind of danger, so there is no cause for alarm,” the AUA underscored in its statement.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued its warning on March 29, weeks into its conflict with the US and Israel. It warned that Israeli and US universities “in the West Asia region” were “legitimate targets” in retaliation for Iranian universities damaged in US and Israeli attacks.
