Early Monday, April 6, 2026, joint US-Israeli airstrikes struck multiple sites in Iran’s capital, Tehran, with Iranian state media reporting damage to buildings at the prestigious Sharif University of Technology. Authorities are actively monitoring the aftermath amid ongoing escalation in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, now in its 38th day.
What Happened at Sharif University of Technology?
According to Iranian reports, the strikes damaged several buildings on the Sharif University campus in western Tehran. A nearby natural gas distribution site (often referred to as the university’s gas station) was also hit, leading to temporary gas outages in the surrounding Sharif neighborhood and parts of District 9.
State broadcaster IRIB quoted local officials stating: “The attack hit the Sharif University gas station and we are facing a temporary gas outage in the Sharif neighborhood.” Explosions were heard across the capital, with reports of fighter jets overhead and air defense systems activating. Iranian media described the incident as an “American-Zionist attack.”
Damage was also reported to a mosque on or near the campus, with images showing broken windows and ceilings. The university, which has shifted to online classes due to the war, was largely empty at the time of the strikes. It remains unclear exactly which facilities were targeted or the full extent of structural damage.
Broader Context: Strikes on Iranian Universities
This is not an isolated incident. Iran’s Science Minister has stated that US-Israeli strikes have hit more than 30 universities across the country since the war began on February 28, 2026. Previous attacks targeted institutions like:
- Shahid Beheshti University (Laser and Plasma Research Institute)
- Iran University of Science and Technology
These strikes form part of a wider campaign against Iranian infrastructure, including military, nuclear, energy, and research sites. Sharif University of Technology, often called “Iran’s MIT,” is a leading institution for science, engineering, and technology, with strong ties to advanced research.