Iran Warns U.S. Against Ground Invasion, Threatens American Universities in Middle East
Iran has issued stark warnings against a potential U.S. ground invasion, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf threatening to "set American troops on fire" and the Revolutionary Guard targeting American and Israeli universities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets."
The escalating rhetoric comes as the monthlong conflict shows no signs of abating. Qalibaf dismissed the U.S.'s 15-point peace plan as an attempt by the Trump administration to achieve through diplomacy what it failed to achieve by force.
Threats to Universities
In a particularly concerning development, Iran's Revolutionary Guard issued a deadline-based ultimatum regarding universities. "If the U.S. government wants its universities in the region spared, it should condemn the bombardment of (Iranian) universities by 12 o'clock Monday, March 30, in an official statement," the Revolutionary Guard stated.
The American University of Beirut responded to the threats by announcing a temporary shift to remote operations as a precautionary measure.
Defiant Stance
Qalibaf struck a defiant tone in his remarks to Iran's parliament. "Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased," he declared. He added: "As long as the Americans seek Iran's surrender, our response is clear: Far be it from us to accept humiliation."
The statements reflect Iran's rejection of diplomatic overtures that it views as demanding capitulation rather than offering genuine negotiation.
Regional Diplomacy
Despite the harsh rhetoric, regional diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, to discuss de-escalating the conflict. The talks aim to open "direct dialogue" between the U.S. and Iran, which have primarily communicated through intermediaries.
However, neither the U.S. nor Israel are participating in the Islamabad talks, and Iran's leadership has publicly rejected negotiations while dismissing the diplomatic efforts.
Ongoing Conflict
The war, now in its second month, has already caused significant disruption to global oil markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The threats against universities add a new dimension to the conflict, raising concerns about the safety of educational institutions and civilians throughout the region.
Source: CBS News
