Why Iran says its universities are being targeted

This episode of The Take explores the escalating targeting of Iranian universities and research institutions amid a broader U.S.-Israeli military campaign in the region. Host Malika Bilal interviews Satara Sadiqi, an assistant professor at the University of Tehran based in Isfahan, who provides a firsthand account of the psychological and physical toll of repeated airstrikes, including a major bombing campaign that left the city in flames. Despite the destruction, Sadiqi describes a resilient civilian life—people attending funerals, shopping, and socializing in parks—challenging the imperialist narrative that normalcy has collapsed in Iran. She emphasizes that attacks on universities, research centers, and medical facilities are not random but part of a deliberate strategy to dismantle Iran’s scientific foundation and cultural heritage, echoing patterns seen in Gaza, Palestine, and other conflict zones. Sadiqi underscores the role of education as resistance, particularly for Iranian women and youth, who continue to pursue knowledge despite war and sanctions. The episode also examines the geopolitical implications, including Iran’s warning to U.S. institutions in the region and the potential ripple effects across the Middle East, while highlighting Iran’s growing homegrown scientific innovation in fields like nanotechnology and medicine. Ultimately, the conversation frames the war on education as both a military tactic and a historical continuation of imperialist aggression.