US Sanctions Suspend Language Tests and Education Services for Iranians

Years of Maximum Pressure

The latest measures extend the US "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, which has previously contributed to a currency collapse, surging food and medicine prices, and financial isolation through blocked bank transfers. Iranians have also faced digital exclusion through restricted software, cloud services and platforms, while the US travel ban has disrupted countless personal plans.

The stated goal of Operation Economic Outcast is to sever economic lifelines sustaining Iran's government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). As part of this effort, the US has contacted Iran's neighbours to limit trade, targeted the operations of Egypt's second-biggest bank in the United Arab Emirates, and is considering action against another bank.

Earlier this year, the IELTS language test was suspended for Iranians inside the country in January, blocking another major pathway for academic mobility. Several universities in Australia, Norway and the United Kingdom have also paused PhD applications, sponsorships or enrollment for Iranians in recent months.

Official Statements and Reactions

An ETS spokesperson said the pause "reflects our full compliance with US sanctions law," adding that Iranian nationals can still test outside Iran. "We are actively working to understand the scope and duration of this change and pursue any available paths to resume service," the spokesperson said.

Duolingo stated it was required to stop offering its English test following an August 24 action by the US Treasury Department, affecting people testing in Iran and those outside the country using Iranian government-issued identification. The company said it has contacted users with active credits about completing tests or receiving refunds, and that it does not know "whether or when the regulations may change."

In a Telegram group for TOEFL test takers with 25,000 members, users have expressed frustration and panic. Many are now calculating the additional costs of travelling to Turkiye, Armenia or other regional countries to take tests. Some are creating petitions, while others are calling on diaspora Iranians to raise awareness or downvoting Duolingo on app stores.

What Happens Next

Existing activities in the suspended sectors have until September 8 to wind down before requiring specific OFAC authorisation. Duolingo has said it will reassess test availability if circumstances change, while ETS is pursuing paths to resume service. For affected Iranians, the immediate options are limited to travelling abroad to take language tests or seeking refunds for cancelled bookings.