How US sanctions are targeting Iranian education
How US sanctions are targeting Iranian education Submitted by Maziyar Ghiabi on Tue, 09/15/2026 - 15:41 American and European universities and firms have long enjoyed the benefits of employing brilliant Iranians - but Washington has closed that door Maryam Mirzakhani, who became a full professor at Stanford, won the Fields Medal in 2014, the first Iranian to receive mathematics' equivalent of the…
The United States and European countries have historically benefited from hiring talented Iranians, with American and European universities and firms employing numerous Iranian academics and professionals. Maryam Mirzakhani, a renowned mathematician, is a prime example, as she became a professor at Stanford University and won the prestigious Fields Medal in 2014, the first Iranian to receive the mathematics equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
In recent weeks, several Iranian students have expressed their confusion and shock over the cancellation of English language proficiency exams. These students are understandably dismayed, as taking the exams abroad is financially unattainable due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Many have resorted to traveling to neighboring countries like Turkey and Armenia to take the tests, a costly and logistically challenging endeavor.
However, the recent US and UK restrictions on educational services have made it even more difficult for Iranian students to pursue their studies abroad. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the British Council, which administer the TOEFL and IELTS exams respectively, have barred Iranian passport holders from registering for these exams. Furthermore, ETS has also suspended the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for Iranians.
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has indefinitely suspended General License G, which previously allowed US universities and testing bodies to provide educational services inside Iran, including the TOEFL. This new restriction has effectively closed the door for Iranian students to enroll in universities and firms in the United States and Europe.
The US government's sanctions have targeted the most civilian aspect of education, impacting Iranian teenagers' dreams of obtaining a formal offer from prestigious western institutions. Many students who have received offers at universities in Europe and America are now left stranded, unable to fulfill their dreams due to the US Treasury's actions.
The US administration's move against Iranian teenagers may be an attempt to provoke a revolt against the Islamic Republic, but it could also have unintended consequences for the nation's scientific and technological advancements. Iran has long faced a brain drain, with estimates suggesting that up to 80% of science Olympiad medallists and top scorers in the Konkur university entrance exam have left the country.
In particular, Sharif University of Technology, Iran's leading science institution, has been instrumental in funneling talented students into elite western universities. Alumni like Maryam Mirzakhani and Behzad Razavi have made significant contributions to their respective fields, earning accolades and forming the backbone of the Iranian diaspora in the United States.
The US sanctions not only hinder Iranian students from pursuing their academic dreams but also have broader implications for the nation's development. The loss of these talented individuals could significantly impact Iran's future, as they were poised to make significant contributions to various fields, including science, technology, and academia.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
