Many Iranians feel they are being unjustly targeted, especially as bans on educational collaboration and testing for studies abroad take effect.
Tehran, Iran – When the United States announced a series of new sanctions against Iran, the Trump administration stated it was seeking to cripple the Iranian economy. However, many Iranians perceive these measures as being directed at them rather than solely at the Iranian government.
The latest sanctions, similar to previous ones, disproportionately affect the civilian population, particularly in the education sector. Previous sanctions have contributed to economic hardships for Iranians, including a currency collapse that has led to rising prices for food and medicine. Additionally, financial isolation has occurred due to blocked bank transfers and restricted access to digital services.
The recent sanctions, part of “Operation Economic Outcast,” expanded secondary sanctions in five key sectors impacting civilian life: aviation, digital assets, gold, shipping, and technology. These sectors join a comprehensive list that includes financial sectors, construction, and manufacturing. Individuals globally engaging in significant transactions with these sectors may face sanctions, potentially leading to asset freezes and limited access to global commerce.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury has indefinitely suspended education-related general licenses that allowed limited cooperation with Iran by American universities, including academic exchange programs. Other suspensions affect professional sports activities and conferences involving Iran, as well as personal remittances.
A short wind-down period for existing activities has been set until September 8, after which specific OFAC authorization will be required for continued operations. The US has also contacted Iran’s neighbors to limit trade and is considering actions against banks involved in transactions with Iran.
The goal of these measures is to sever economic support for the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, the suspension of General License G, which permitted education-related activities, is affecting thousands of young Iranians who have no ties to the government.
Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers TOEFL and GRE exams, has paused testing in Iran and canceled previously scheduled appointments. An ETS spokesperson stated that this decision reflects compliance with US sanctions law, while adding that Iranian nationals can take tests outside Iran.
Duolingo, an American educational technology company, has also ceased offering English language tests for users with Iranian government-issued identification, including those outside Iran. The company stated that this decision follows an action by the US Treasury Department and acknowledged that changes to test availability could be disappointing for affected test takers.
Many Iranians planning to obtain language certificates for studies abroad have expressed frustration and concern over the sanctions' impact. In a Telegram group for TOEFL test aspirants, users have shared their feelings of panic and disappointment, with some considering alternative countries for testing.
Individuals are creating petitions to overturn the restrictions and calling on the Iranian diaspora to raise awareness. Many believe they are being discriminated against based on nationality, with little impact on the Iranian government’s leadership.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the suspension of the IELTS test for Iranians and the impact on academic opportunities, as several universities in countries like Australia, Norway, and the UK have paused applications for Iranian students. The sanctions have been particularly jarring for many, especially in light of previous US statements promising support during times of unrest in Iran.
The Trump administration has attempted to differentiate between the Iranian people and their government, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio noting the disparity between the two groups. However, the ongoing sanctions continue to affect the lives of ordinary Iranians seeking educational and professional opportunities abroad.