Iran has approved the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Organization (NAIO) — an autonomous body reporting directly to the president — to coordinate, regulate, and accelerate the country’s AI development agenda. The move follows a parliamentary vote amending Article 3 of Iran’s National AI Plan, transforming the initiative into a fully fledged institution tasked with integrating AI into national policy and economic planning.
Under the law, the NAIO’s head will be appointed by presidential decree, and within three months, the body must finalize its charter in collaboration with the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, the Planning and Budget Organization, and several ministries including ICT, Science, Labour, and Education. The new organization will centralize Iran’s fragmented AI governance, overseeing infrastructure, R&D funding, private-sector engagement, and workforce training.
The move aligns with Iran’s ambition to rank among the world’s top ten AI producers. According to Nature Index, Iran already ranks 13th globally in AI research output, surpassing Brazil and Russia. Government reports indicate over $100 million has been earmarked for AI research and national platforms capable of operating independently of foreign infrastructure — a clear bid for technological self-reliance under sanctions.
Analysts view the initiative as Tehran’s strategic response to growing AI competition from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The NAIO is expected to enhance Iran’s digital sovereignty while fostering collaboration with non-Western partners such as China and Russia.
However, experts warn of challenges including restricted access to advanced computing hardware, overlapping mandates with existing agencies like the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, and an underdeveloped regulatory framework. Despite these hurdles, officials believe the organization could accelerate Iran’s transition to a knowledge-based economy, strengthen AI governance, and nurture a new generation of homegrown innovation.
