U.S. Bans TOEFL for Iranian Students as Economic Pressure Escalates

The United States has implemented a ban on the TOEFL for Iranian students, effectively restricting their access to international educational institutions that require the test. The policy was announced on September 2, 2026, and is part of broader U.S. economic measures against Iran. The Tehran Times reported that the move raises questions about whether the U.S. is targeting the Iranian government or its people. The ban is described as a strategic tool to limit Iran’s access to global educational opportunities, which are often seen as a means of soft power. Iranian media outlets have criticized the policy, arguing that it disproportionately affects students rather than the government. The Tehran Times highlighted the contradiction between U.S. claims of targeting the regime and the tangible impact on ordinary citizens. No sources have directly contradicted the claim that the U.S. has banned TOEFL for Iranian students. All references point to the same policy and its implications. The event remains within the scope of diplomatic and economic tensions between the U.S. and Iran.