US-Israel Airstrikes Target Tehran's Sharif University, Trigger Gas Disruptions
Early Monday morning, airstrikes conducted by US and Israeli forces struck Tehran, specifically targeting the Sharif University of Technology and causing significant gas outages in parts of the Iranian capital, as reported by Iranian state media. The attack resulted in damage to buildings at the university and a nearby natural gas distribution site, leading to supply disruptions in surrounding neighborhoods.
Immediate Impact and Local Reports
The strike "hit the Sharif University gas station and we are facing a temporary gas outage in the Sharif neighborhood," stated the head of Tehran's District 9 neighborhood, according to state broadcaster IRIB. Iranian media detailed multiple explosions throughout the night, with residents reporting the intermittent sound of low-flying fighter jets for several hours. It remains unclear what specific facilities within the university were targeted, but the campus is currently devoid of students as the ongoing conflict has shifted education nationwide to online classes.
Background on Sharif University and Military Links
Sharif University of Technology has faced sanctions from several countries over the years due to its alleged connections to military activities, particularly Iran's ballistic missile program, which is overseen by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. In response to repeated strikes on their bases, Iranian security forces, including the Guard, have reportedly been utilizing secondary locations as operational points.
Separate Airstrike in Qom
In a separate incident, the state-run IRAN newspaper reported that an airstrike in a residential area of Qom resulted in the deaths of at least five people. The target of that strike was not immediately clear. Qom, a major Shiite seminary city located south of Tehran, has also been affected by the escalating conflict.
Casualty and Loss Details
Iran has not released updated overall casualty figures from the conflict in recent days, nor has it disclosed specific details regarding material losses. The lack of information highlights the ongoing challenges in assessing the full impact of the airstrikes and the broader military engagements.
Key Points:
- Airstrikes targeted Sharif University of Technology and a gas distribution site in Tehran.
- Gas outages were reported in the Sharif neighborhood due to the attack.
- Multiple explosions and low-flying jets were heard overnight in the capital.
- Sharif University has been sanctioned for alleged links to Iran's ballistic missile program.
- A separate airstrike in Qom killed at least five people in a residential area.
- Iran has not provided recent casualty or loss updates from the conflict.
