The United States embassy in Iraqi city of Baghdad has issued a warning to its citizens, indicating that Iran and its affiliated groups may be planning to target American universities in Iraq and could potentially attempt to abduct US citizens.
The embassy urged Americans to exit the country “immediately,” stating in a security alert on X that the universities at risk may include those in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and the Iraqi Kurdistan city of Dohuk, along with other institutions perceived to have ties to the United States.
Earlier on Monday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened to target US universities in the Middle East, claiming that US-Israeli strikes had intentionally struck two Iranian universities.
In a statement released by Iranian media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared:
“If the US government desires its universities in the region to remain free from retaliation, it must issue an official condemnation of the bombings of the universities by 12 noon on Monday, March 30, Tehran time.”
The alert from the US embassy also indicated that Iran and its proxies are likely to attempt further assaults on US-associated targets across Iraq, which may include diplomatic facilities, universities, businesses, energy infrastructure, and other locations.
The alert stated in Arabic (translated here):
“Iran-aligned terrorist armed groups have also targeted commercial airports and hotels frequented by foreigners. These groups may seek to kidnap Americans.
“The threat posed by rockets, drones, and mortars remains in Iraqi airspace. U.S. citizens are advised to leave Iraq without delay.”
War: ‘Vacate immediately’ – US tells citizens, lists Iran’s next targets