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US-Israel Airstrikes Hit Tehran University, Escalating Middle East Conflict

American and Israeli fighter jets struck multiple targets in Tehran, including the prominent Shahid Beheshti University and Mehrabad International Airport. The attacks also damaged key biomedical and pharmaceutical research facilities like the Pasteur Institute, which Iran labeled an assault on international health security. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the strikes on health infrastructure and called for a global response from medical and humanitarian organizations. The conflict between Tehran and the US-Israel coalition continues to intensify with civilian and military infrastructure increasingly targeted.

Key Points: US-Israel Airstrikes Target University, Airport in Tehran

  • Strikes hit university & airport
  • Damage to health research facilities
  • Iran condemns attacks as war crimes
  • WHO warns on health facility destruction
  • Conflict shows no sign of de-escalation
3 min read

US-Israeli airstrikes hit Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran amid widening Middle East conflict

Iranian state media reports US-Israeli strikes hit Shahid Beheshti University and Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, damaging civilian infrastructure.

"What message does attacking hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and the Pasteur Institute ... convey? - Masoud Pezeshkian"

Tehran, April 3

American and Israeli fighter jets struck multiple strategic and civilian targets inside Iran's capital on Friday afternoon, including Shahid Beheshti University, one of the country's leading academic institutions, Iranian state media reported.

The strikes mark yet another escalation in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

According to IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting), air raids hit Shahid Beheshti University in the Velenjak district of northern Tehran as well as Mehrabad International Airport in the western part of the city, causing damage to infrastructure and academic facilities. At the time of reporting, details on casualties and the extent of the destruction had not been independently verified.

The university, established in 1960 and named after prominent revolutionary figure Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, is a major centre for research and higher education in Tehran and has been a hub for thousands of students and faculty.

The reported attacks on educational institutions come days after a series of US-Israel strikes targeted other key civilian and research facilities, including the Pasteur Institute of Iran -- a century-old biomedical research and public health institution. Iran's health ministry said the airstrike on the Pasteur Institute in central Tehran caused severe damage, labelling the incident a "direct assault on international health security" and a violation of international law.

In reaction to the strikes on health infrastructure, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged international bodies to respond, writing on social media platform X: "What message does attacking hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and the Pasteur Institute ... as a medical research centre in Iran convey?" He called on the "World Health Organisation, the International Federation of Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and physicians worldwide to respond to this crime against humanity."

In recent days, the US and Israeli military campaign has also struck pharmaceutical research facilities such as the Toufiq Darou pharmaceutical research company in Tehran, drawing condemnation from Iranian officials who described the attack as a war crime and "a blatant crime against humanity."

The World Health Organisation warned about multiple attacks on health facilities in Iran in recent days, highlighting the destruction at the Pasteur Institute as one of the worst damage incidents.

The strikes unfold against a backdrop of intensifying conflict between Tehran and coalition forces led by the United States and Israel, which started with a major joint offensive on Iranian territory earlier this year. Both sides continue to trade accusations, and the conflict shows little sign of de-escalating, with infrastructure, civilian and military alike, increasingly caught in the crossfire.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very sad news. Students and researchers should never be targets. This conflict is spiraling out of control and innocent civilians, especially the youth who are the future, are paying the price. Hope for de-escalation and peace. 🙏
A
Arjun K
While the act of striking civilian academic centers is condemnable, we must also ask what led to this escalation. Iran's own actions in the region cannot be ignored. A balanced perspective is needed. The real tragedy is for the common people caught in the middle.
S
Sarah B
Attacking the Pasteur Institute? That's where vital medical research happens! This isn't just an attack on Iran, it's an attack on global scientific progress. The WHO's warning is absolutely correct. Shameful.
V
Vikram M
From an Indian security perspective, this widening conflict is a major concern. It destabilizes the entire region and impacts energy security. Our diplomacy must work overtime to ensure this fire doesn't spread. India has good relations with all parties; we should use that position to advocate for dialogue.
M
Meera T
Heartbreaking. As a teacher, I can only imagine the trauma for the students and faculty. An educational campus is a sanctuary for learning and growth. This news ruined my morning. When will the powerful think of the human cost? 😔

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