Israel bombs SB University in Tehran, Kashmiri students studying there already evacuated, career worries trigger

Srinagar – An Israeli airstrike struck Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, causing significant damage to one of Iran’s premier medical institutions and raising concerns about the academic future of hundreds of international students, including a large number from Kashmir.

While all Kashmiri students were safely evacuated prior to the attack, the bombing has cast uncertainty over their medical education and career prospects.

The attack, part of escalating Israel-Iran tensions, occurred Monday afternoon, with missiles reportedly landing near the university’s dormitories and academic buildings. According to Tehran Times, the strike caused structural damage to the campus, including shattered windows and compromised facilities. No casualties were reported at the university, but the incident has disrupted operations, with classes suspended indefinitely.

Shahid Beheshti University, regarded as one of Iran’s top medical schools, hosts over 350 Indian students, a significant portion of whom hail from Kashmir. In 2022, approximately 2,050 Indian students were enrolled in Iranian institutions, with many Kashmiri students choosing Iran for its affordable medical programs and simpler admission processes compared to private colleges in India.

A Mahan Air flight carrying over 280 students, including 200 from Kashmir, landed in Delhi on Saturday, June 21.

The bombing of Shahid Beheshti University has sparked fears that the institution may not resume operations soon, jeopardling the possibility of students needing to transfer to other universities or restart their programs elsewhere.