The American University of Beirut (AUB) has announced a temporary shift to online learning following threats issued by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeting U.S. institutions in the Middle East.

Precautionary Measures

AUB President, Fadlo Khouri, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure. He stated that while there was no evidence of a direct threat to the university, the move was necessary to safeguard lives.

“Like many of you, we learned early this morning of threats issued against American universities in the region.

“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,” he said.

Khouri added that all classes and examinations would be conducted remotely during the period.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Warning

The development follows a warning from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which threatened to target U.S. universities in the region after alleging that joint U.S.-Israeli strikes had destroyed two Iranian universities.

According to a statement published by Iranian media, the group warned that American institutions could face retaliation if the U.S. government fails to condemn the attacks.

“If the US government wants its universities in the region to be free from retaliation… it must condemn the bombing of the universities in an official statement by 12 noon on Monday, March 30, Tehran time,” the statement read.

The group further advised staff, students, and residents near such institutions to stay at least one kilometre away from campuses, heightening concerns across the region.

Regional Impact and American Universities

Analysts noted that several American universities operate campuses across the Middle East, including in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, making the threat significant.

In Lebanon, AUB remains one of the most prominent U.S.-affiliated institutions, with its campus and medical centre located in central Beirut.

Escalating Regional Tensions

The warning comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Lebanon increasingly drawn into the conflict following recent hostilities involving Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, further raising security concerns.