Iranian Science Minister Slams TOEFL Ban as ‘Stone Age’ Behavior

Tehran - BORNA - Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a book unveiling ceremony in Tehran, Simaei Saraf addressed the growing impact of academic sanctions and international test bans on Iranian students and faculty.

"The enemy's objective is to force our country into submission through sanctions, having tested every possible form of restriction," Simaei Saraf said. "Scientific sanctions are not unprecedented. For years, several of our universities have faced sanctions, and academic papers submitted under Iranian affiliations have been rejected."

"It is extraordinary that taking a test is now prohibited simply based on Iranian nationality and citizenship," he added. "This is truly Stone Age behavior. Donald Trump claimed he wanted to return Iran to the Stone Age, yet he himself is acting in an entirely primitive and savage manner."

The minister noted that the National Organization for Educational Testing (Sanjesh) is currently reviewing the situation regarding international exams.

Addressing a separate issue regarding a petition against the "New Nutrition Model" signed by over 10,000 individuals, Simaei Saraf clarified that the ministry hosted no misconduct during a recent panel on the matter. He reiterated the ministry's commitment to legal, ethical, and social standards as universities prepare for the upcoming academic year.

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