Iranian universities and scientific research centers have been targeted by the US-Israel war, raising concerns that these institutions are becoming a new frontline in the conflict. The Ministry of Science reported that at least 21 universities have been damaged in strikes, and academics themselves have also been targeted. This is in what Tehran claims is an attempt to weaken the country's scientific and cultural foundations. The Israeli military has also targeted what it alleges is military infrastructure at some university sites, including the IRGC-affiliated Imam Hossein University in Tehran, alleging these facilities were used for weapons development. The attacks have triggered warnings of Iranian retaliation, disrupting higher education in Lebanon, Qatar, and other Gulf states. Analysts suggest that the targeting of universities and Iran's threats of retaliation against academic institutions abroad could indicate a widening conflict and potentially diverging objectives among the parties involved.