Iran Faces Deepening Education Crisis as Millions Cannot Afford School Supplies; Government Lifts Ban on Official Use of Foreign Social Media

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The education crisis, marked by millions of children unable to afford school supplies, poses a significant long-term risk to Iranian society. This, coupled with ongoing severe repression of protesters and women, indicates persistent internal instability and human rights concerns. While a social media policy shift for government use occurred, it does not alleviate broader societal pressures.

📌 Key developments

• Education Crisis Deepens as School Supplies Become Unaffordable: Millions of Iranian children are struggling to access education as the cost of basic school supplies, such as notebooks, pens, and uniforms, has risen beyond the reach of many families. This means that for a significant portion of the population, the simple act of sending a child to school has become a luxury, potentially leading to approximately four million students being excluded from the education system. This situation is likely to worsen existing inequalities and could have long-term consequences for Iran's human capital and future development, as children denied education today may face limited employment opportunities and greater vulnerability to exploitation tomorrow.
• Government Lifts Ban on Foreign Social Media for Official Use: Iran has reversed a nearly decade-old policy, now allowing government agencies to use foreign social media platforms for official communications and public information dissemination. This change, announced by Abbas Pazouki, deputy for communications and information at the office of Iran's first vice president, means that state institutions can once again engage with the public on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and WhatsApp, which were previously restricted for official use. While this marks a shift in official digital communication strategy, it does not currently extend to easing restrictions on public access to these platforms, meaning ordinary citizens may still face filtering and limited access.
• Severe Sentences Continue for January Protesters, Including Teen Twins: Iranian courts are continuing to issue harsh sentences, including death penalties, for individuals involved in the January 2026 protests. A particularly distressing case highlighted today involves 19-year-old twin sisters, Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who were arrested while still in high school. Taraneh has been sentenced to death, and Romina to 25 years in prison, for their participation in the demonstrations. This ongoing crackdown means that the government is maintaining its severe approach to dissent, particularly targeting young people and women, aiming to suppress future protests through extreme deterrence and creating a climate of fear.
• Iranian and Iraqi Universities Explore AI Collaboration: Sharif University of Technology in Iran and Al-Zahra University for Women in Iraq are discussing plans to expand academic cooperation, specifically in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative systems, particularly at the postgraduate level. This means that both institutions are looking to share expertise and develop joint educational programs, which could foster scientific and technological advancements in the region. This initiative is still in the discussion phase, but if implemented, it could lead to enhanced educational opportunities and research capabilities for students and academics in both countries.

💡 Why it matters

These developments highlight the growing internal pressures on Iranian society, from economic hardship impacting basic rights like education to continued state repression of dissent. The lifting of the social media ban for government use, while not a full opening of the internet, could signal a tactical shift in information control, which analysts will watch closely. The persistent severe sentences for protesters underscore the regime's determination to suppress opposition, which could fuel further unrest or deepen public resentment.

🎭 People in the news

• Taraneh Rahimi — A 19-year-old Iranian twin sister sentenced to death for her participation in the January 2026 protests.
• Romina Rahimi — A 19-year-old Iranian twin sister sentenced to 25 years in prison for her participation in the January 2026 protests.
• Abbas Pazouki — Deputy for communications and information at the office of Iran's first vice president, who announced the lifting of the ban on government use of foreign social media platforms.
• Masoud Tajrishi — Chancellor of Sharif University of Technology, who discussed expanding academic cooperation in AI with Al-Zahra University for Women.
• Zeinab Al-Sultani — President of Al-Zahra University for Women (Iraq), who visited Sharif University of Technology to discuss AI collaboration.

👀 What to watch

• Any further details or official statements regarding the implementation of the lifted social media ban for government use, and whether this signals any broader changes to internet access for the public.
• Reactions from human rights organizations and international bodies to the continued severe sentences for protesters, particularly the case of the Rahimi twins.
• Further reports on the impact of the education crisis as the new academic year progresses, including any government responses or aid initiatives.