US sanctions halt TOEFL and GRE tests in Iran, disrupting study plans

Students in Iran are facing significant disruptions in their educational plans due to the suspension of a U.S. sanctions exemption that previously allowed them to take the TOEFL and GRE exams. These standardized tests are essential for students seeking to study abroad, and the inability to take them threatens to jeopardize university application deadlines. The cancellation of these exams has been described as isolating for many Iranians who are eager to foster connections with the international community (The New York Times). The recent U.S. sanctions have not only halted these critical tests but have also imposed additional burdens on students. Those who wish to pursue their education abroad may now face costly travel obligations to take the exams in other countries, further complicating their plans. This situation has raised concerns among Iranian students, who feel that they are being unjustly excluded from opportunities for higher education and international engagement (Al Jazeera). The impact of these sanctions extends beyond individual students, as many Iranians express feelings of being erased from the global community. The inability to access necessary educational resources and opportunities has led to frustration and disappointment among those who aspire to study internationally (The New York Times, Al Jazeera). The situation highlights the broader implications of U.S. sanctions on education and the lives of students in Iran.