# US sanctions impact English proficiency exams in Iran > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-sanctions-impact-english-proficiency-exams-in-iran > Updated: 2026-09-08T03:23:28.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Major international English language proficiency exams, including TOEFL, GRE, PTE, and Duolingo, have been suspended for candidates residing in Iran. This disruption follows changes to U.S. Treasury Department regulations, specifically the suspension of ‘General License G’ by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This license had previously facilitated certain educational services and academic exchanges. Providers such as Pearson and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) have indicated that testing is frozen because the U.S. Treasury stopped issuing necessary licenses. While ETS suggested that Iranians could travel abroad to take exams, the high costs of travel and new fees are prohibitive for many. The suspension occurs as Iran faces severe economic strain, including record low rial values and inflation reaching 89 percent. Iranian officials and educational organizations have criticized the move, describing it as the ‘politicization of science’ and an infringement on the right to equal access to global educational opportunities. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: US sanctions suspend English proficiency exams in Iran US sanctions have suspended English proficiency exams like the TOEFL in Iran, creating significant barriers for students seeking to study abroad due to high costs and economic instability. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-sanctions-suspend-english-proficiency-exams-in-iran ### 2026-09-05: International language exams suspended in Iran due to U.S. sanctions International English language exams including TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo have been suspended in Iran following changes to U.S. Treasury sanctions and the suspension of OFAC’s General License G. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-language-exams-suspended-in-iran-due-to-us-sanctions --- Cite as: US sanctions impact English proficiency exams in Iran. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-sanctions-impact-english-proficiency-exams-in-iran