US Sanctions Halt TOEFL and GRE Tests in Iran

General License G Suspension Halts Tests

On August 24, the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) indefinitely suspended General License G, prompting ETS to immediately halt TOEFL and GRE tests in Iran.

• US OFAC indefinitely suspended General License G on August 24
• ETS immediately halted TOEFL and GRE tests in Iran

Sanctions Tightened as Part of Economic Pressure

This move is part of an effort to tighten sanctions as an economic pressure tactic. General License G allowed academic exchanges, but OFAC aims to sever academic and cultural ties with Iran.

• General License G allowed academic exchanges
• OFAC strategy to sever academic and cultural ties with Iran

Focus on Sanction Relief and Alternative Paths

Attention will be on potential sanction relief and alternative paths. The resumption of OFAC licenses is crucial, and changes in access to alternative tests like IELTS should be monitored.

• Resumption of OFAC licenses is crucial
• Monitor changes in access to alternative tests like IELTS