US Sanctions on Duolingo Deepen Iranian Frustration Over Education Access

The latest round of US sanctions targeting Duolingo has intensified concerns among Iranians about their access to international education platforms, with many viewing the restrictions as emblematic of a wider campaign to exclude the nation from the global knowledge economy.

Thousands of Iranian students and professionals have relied on the free language-learning application to study English and other languages, with many seeing it as a vital tool for academic advancement and international communication. The sanctions, which prevent the platform from operating in Iran, have cut off this resource for millions of users across the country.

Civil society groups and academics have characterized the move as disproportionate punishment of ordinary citizens, arguing that restrictions on educational tools undermine humanitarian principles and deepen Iran's isolation. The measure has drawn particular criticism from those who see language education as essential for participating in the global academic community and workforce.

The sanctions reflect Washington's broader policy of restricting Iranian access to US technology and platforms, citing national security concerns. However, Iranian observers argue that targeting educational services inflicts particular hardship on a younger generation seeking to compete internationally, further widening the gap between Iran and the rest of the world.