Restrictions Imposed on International Schools in Iran; French Embassy Establishes 'Crisis Unit'

The new academic year in Iran has begun under circumstances where, by the decision of the Islamic Republic, the presence of Iranian students in international schools has been banned. In this context, the French Embassy in Tehran has created a crisis unit to support parents who are trying to quickly find schools for their children. According to AFP, this surprising action follows the Islamic Republic's efforts to combat 'Westernization,' which conservatives consider undermining the values of the 1979 revolution. However, international schools are struggling to adapt to the new conditions as the new imposed regulations have deprived them of sufficient students. Currently, only 60 students are enrolled in the French school in northern Tehran compared to 359 students who were registered at the beginning of the academic year. The German school, one of the most affected by this decision, was only able to accept 50 students out of 380 applicants. The father of two Iranian students who have only attended French schools says, 'It's a very difficult situation,' adding, 'We don't know what to do with our children who suddenly find themselves without a school.' According to Tasnim news agency, Iran has twelve international schools, including eight in Tehran, which had over two thousand students enrolled before the new measures were implemented. The agency claims that under the new laws, only 10% of these students are allowed to study in international schools. Katayoun Rajabi previously told VOA that the Islamic Republic intends to bring cultural exchanges with the West to zero. Based on the regulations set by the Supreme Council of Education in Iran, only foreign nationals residing in Iran and Iranian students who have completed part of their education abroad, among other cases, are permitted to enroll in international schools. These laws affect Iranian students who also hold other passports, as the Islamic Republic does not recognize dual citizenship. Tasnim stated that international schools have been a 'clear violation' of Iranian regulations, adding that 'none of the official textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education are taught in these schools.' As efforts to change the Islamic Republic's decision have failed, the French Embassy in Tehran has established a crisis unit to support parents who are trying to quickly find schools for their children. Some parents have decided to send their children to English schools with an Iranian curriculum, while others have chosen to homeschool. Some have also decided to leave Iran for Europe. Tensions between Tehran and Washington and its allies have increased since the U.S. reinstated sanctions against Iran after withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Western countries' criticism of the Islamic Republic has intensified following the killing of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police and the onset of nationwide protests in Iran. The Islamic Republic refers to these protests as 'riots' allegedly incited by foreign governments without providing credible evidence. The new laws regarding international schools not only create problems for Iranian students and their families but also limit opportunities for cultural exchange with other countries. One parent of children at the French school says, 'The space for dialogue between Iran and France is disappearing,' adding, 'It's really a shame because the two countries have a lot to share.'