Kurdistan Region extends school, university closure until March 23

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government has extended the suspension of schools and universities across the region until March 23, citing safety concerns amid the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said the decision was taken “in the public interest and to protect the safety of teachers and students.”

Schools across the region have been closed since the war began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran. The region has since faced repeated missile and drone attacks, with Iranian forces and Iran-aligned militias targeting various locations including oil fields, opposition bases and residential areas.

According to the statement, all educational institutions under the two ministries — including public, private and international schools and universities — will remain closed during this period.

The closure also encompasses the region’s annual spring break, which normally runs from March 11 to March 23, with classes set to resume after the Newroz holiday.