On March 29, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, issued a severe security alert, explicitly warning that Iran and its allied terrorist militias may target U.S. universities in Iraq, including American University of Baghdad, universities in Sulaymaniyah and Duhok, as well as other U.S.-affiliated universities in the Middle East. The embassy ordered all U.S. citizens to immediately leave Iraq.
The threat against universities comes from an official statement issued by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) through its affiliated media outlet, Tasnim News Agency. The agency, founded by an IRGC commander, is considered the propaganda arm of Iran’s military.
Iran stated in the declaration that, in retaliation for airstrikes on two of its domestic universities, all Israeli and American universities in West Asia would be considered legitimate targets until the two Iranian universities have been struck in reprisal.
To further intimidate campus staff and students, the IRGC even issued a specific “evacuation notice,” instructing innocent faculty and students to stay away from campuses.
The Iranian regime demanded that the U.S. government formally condemn the attacks on Iranian universities by noon Tehran time on March 30 (Monday), warning that failure to do so would trigger retaliation. Targeting academic institutions exposes, once again, the regime’s malicious nature.
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
The U.S. Embassy considers Iran’s retaliation threat an imminent military risk and stresses that no one should travel to Iraq for any reason. Those already in the country must leave immediately.
An Iraqi army armoured humvee vehicle is deployed near the banks of the Tigris River to protect the US Embassy headquarters (R) in Baghdad’s fortified “Green Zone” on March 18, 2026. (Image: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP via Getty Images)
US Embassy orders full evacuation: Situation critical
On March 29, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a stern security warning regarding violent intentions by Iran and its allied terrorist groups.
The embassy’s official notice advised all U.S. citizens that security risks had reached critical levels and that no one should travel to Iraq for any reason. Anyone currently in Iraq was instructed to leave immediately.
Due to threats from Iranian forces, Iraq’s airspace faces high risks from missiles, drones, and rockets, and all commercial flights have been suspended. The U.S. government is guiding citizens to evacuate overland through Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
The announcement stated that Iran and pro-Iranian militias have carried out widespread attacks on U.S. citizens and civilian targets across Iraq. American citizens are urged to leave immediately; those who remain face significant risk.
The embassy document emphasized that Iran has explicitly threatened attacks on U.S. universities throughout the Middle East. Pro-Iranian militias have launched extensive attacks across Iraq (including the Kurdistan region) against U.S. citizens, related targets, Iraqi institutions, and civilian facilities. The Iraqi government has failed to prevent terrorist operations launched from its territory. The alert specifically noted that militias may kidnap Americans, while Iraq’s airspace remains at risk from missiles, drones, and rockets. U.S. citizens remaining in Iraq face significant danger.
Currently, Iraq’s airspace is closed and commercial flights are halted. Land borders to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey remain open, though long delays are expected. Ground transportation is operational, and Americans are advised to leave immediately by land. Jordan provides bus transfer services; flights to Kuwait are suspended but roads are open; Saudi Arabia recommends applying for e-visas 48 hours in advance; Turkey allows 90-day visa-free entry, though border areas are rated “Do Not Travel.” Regional flight prices may surge, with delays or cancellations likely.
The U.S. government reiterates its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iraq. President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the State Department prioritize citizen safety. Routine consular services are suspended; urgent contact emails: [email protected] or [email protected].
Recommended actions include immediate departure, enrolling in the STEP program, maintaining communication, preparing documents and supplies, staying away from debris during attacks, and monitoring media reports.
A view of an Iranian missile after it fell near Qamishli International Airport, near the Turkish border in the Qamishli district of Hasakah, Syria, on March 4, 2026, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. (Image: Amjad Kurdo / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
Several Middle Eastern universities forced to disrupt classes
Affected by Iran’s threats, numerous universities in the Middle East have entered emergency status. At the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon, President Fadlo Khuri addressed the campus community on Sunday.
President Khuri faced the panic instigated by Iran while striving to uphold educational missions. For the safety of faculty and students, he announced that all campus operations on Monday and Tuesday would switch to online learning, banning all on-campus activities. He stated: “My life has been dedicated to rejecting any form of violence… we strongly urge all parties, without exception, to avoid targeting such institutions during conflicts.”
Khuri further reaffirmed AUB’s commitment to education despite threats: “At the American University of Beirut, we will not abandon our mission due to threats or violence. Not now, not ever.”
Similarly, the Lebanese American University (LAU) has implemented the same measures. In Qatar Education City, the American University of Sharjah in the UAE, and the American University of Kuwait, campuses have increased security patrols, restricted visitor access, and canceled evening events. Academic freedom and campus safety face severe tests under Iran’s armed coercion.
As the Monday noon deadline approaches, global attention focuses on this challenge initiated by the Iranian regime. U.S. citizens are urged to keep travel documents handy and maintain sufficient food, water, and medicine, remaining prepared for potential conflicts.
Tasnim News Agency remains under the control of Revolutionary Guard members who continue to manage operations.