The American University of Armenia (AUA) announced that all classes on Monday, March 30, will be held fully online as a precautionary measure “due to the threat made by Iran to target American universities in West Asia and the Middle East,” while emphasizing that it has received no direct threats against the university, sees no indication of immediate danger, and is monitoring the situation closely.
In a message to students, faculty, and staff, the university said “the University administration is monitoring the situation closely” and “will keep you informed of any changes to the schedule or modality of instruction.”
“In taking this step, we emphasize that we have received no direct threats against our university,” AUA said, adding that there is “no indication that we are in any kind of danger, so there is no cause for alarm.”
The university described the move as “simply a precautionary measure, taken out of an abundance of caution,” noting that “the safety of our community is of paramount importance.”
AUA also urged its community to “check your AUA email regularly” and “rely only on official AUA communications for the latest updates.”
Later, AUA added that it had received assurances from Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport that, based on current assessments, there is no significant or serious threat. The university said it plans to resume in-person classes as usual the following day.
AUA is a private higher education institution affiliated with the University of California system.
The precautionary move follows a warning issued by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which declared that universities affiliated with the United States and Israel across West Asia would be considered “legitimate targets.”
In a statement carried by the semi-official Fars News Agency, the IRGC accused Washington and Tel Aviv of repeatedly striking Iranian academic institutions, including the Iran University of Science and Technology and the Isfahan University of Technology.
“From now on, all universities of the occupying entity and American universities in West Asia will be considered legitimate targets,” the statement read, also warning staff, students, and nearby residents to stay at least one kilometer away from such facilities.
The threat comes amid intensifying conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Since February 28, US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran have reportedly killed more than 1,300 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and US-linked sites across the region, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
However, Iran has also publicly expressed appreciation toward Armenia on Sunday.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked the Armenian government and people in a message posted in Armenian on X, highlighting support provided to Iranian citizens.
“The support of the Government and people of Armenia to the people of Iran in the issues of relocation of Iranian citizens and humanitarian aid is highly appreciated,” Araghchi wrote, adding that centuries-old ties between the two nations “once again demonstrated their strength in difficult times.”
