The recent attacks on Iran’s scientific and academic institutions have drawn sharp criticism from the country’s academic community, highlighting a symbolic assault on the progress of knowledge and education.
Javad Mashayekh, a faculty member at Iran University of Science and Technology, expressed in an interview with Mehr News Agency his condemnation of the attacks, emphasizing that they target the very foundation of scientific advancement.
Mashayekh stated, “In the ongoing aggression by the U.S.-Israeli coalition against the Islamic Republic of Iran, universities, research centers, and academic institutions have repeatedly become targets. As a small participant and educator in the academic field, I feel compelled to denounce these reckless and brutal acts.”
He added that the bombing of scientific, academic, and research centers demonstrates the desperation of aggressors who have extended their strikes beyond military installations to institutions dedicated to education and knowledge.
“The attacks carry a clear symbolic message: the enemy opposes any sustainable, knowledge-based progress originating from educational and research institutions. By targeting universities and scientists, they aim to suppress independent scientific development,” Mashayekh explained. He referenced the assassination of the late professor Shamaghdari and other science and technology martyrs as examples of the adversary’s longstanding intent to hinder Iran’s scientific autonomy.
Mashayekh described the assaults as “an ignorant confrontation with the institution of science,” underscoring that independent universities like Iran University of Science and Technology and Isfahan University of Technology, which had scientific autonomy, were repeatedly attacked, violating both military protocols and international norms.
Calling on the global academic community, Mashayekh urged international scholars and institutions to condemn the destruction of educational and research infrastructure. He emphasized that this aggression is not limited to Iran but threatens any nation seeking to use science for progress while resisting external hegemonic pressures.
“International academic and cultural bodies, as well as organizations involved in higher education policy and research, must take a clear stance against these brutal acts,” he stated.
Mashayekh expressed appreciation for Iranian and global academics who condemned the attacks, praising their defense of independent knowledge. At the same time, he voiced concern over those who have remained silent, stressing the need for clear positions in times of crisis.
Highlighting the domestic academic response, he affirmed that Iranian scholars remain committed to scientific progress. “After these attacks, our faculty are stronger, more determined, and more motivated to pursue knowledge-based development. Our scientific endeavors, nurtured by the sacrifices of martyrs, will continue undeterred,” Mashayekh said.
He further noted that strikes on student dormitories not only destroyed infrastructure but also endangered the lives of students and nearby residents, representing a new level of aggression. Mashayekh called on Iran’s armed forces to maintain strong resistance to prevent recurrence.
“The level of brutality witnessed goes far beyond initial claims of targeting nuclear and missile infrastructure,” he said. “The killing of women and children, attacks on universities, research centers, and healthcare facilities reveal the true malice of the adversary.”
Mashayekh concluded with a forward-looking statement: “With divine support, the unwavering commitment of our armed forces, and the backing of the Iranian people, the Islamic Republic is poised to emerge as a global power. The sacrifices of our martyrs have already yielded results in strategic defense and technological achievements, and we anticipate even greater successes in the near future.”
MNA
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