Iran Poised to Establish Its First Artificial Intelligence Operator

TEHRAN (Iran News) Seyyed Sattar Hashemi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said at the National Conference on Investment Opportunities in ICT: “When we talk about the economy and digital transformation, it is no longer a choice but a strategic necessity.”

He added that the scale of investment required for digital economy infrastructure, and the multiplier effect it can generate, makes it clear that this sector stands apart from others in terms of returns and investment significance.

Hashemi stated that countries around the world are pursuing strategic approaches to investment in the digital economy, and Iran is doing the same. “At the Ministry of Communications—and in the country as a whole—we are focused on investment across various layers of the digital economy, with particular emphasis on incentivizing private-sector–led initiatives.”

Highlighting the legal framework outlined in the Seventh Development Plan, he noted that multiple provisions—especially in Chapter Thirteen—demonstrate the legislature’s strong attention to digital economic infrastructure and investment. “This indicates that Iran has taken an appropriate direction in addressing these needs from a regulatory standpoint,” he said.

Given the scale of investment required, the minister emphasized that it is neither feasible nor economically justified for the government alone to meet the country’s needs. “With a clear strategy and strong reliance on the private sector, the Ministry of Communications is opening the way for private investors across different layers of the digital economy.”

Hashemi reiterated the ministry’s focus on developing key communications infrastructure, including fiber-optic networks, 5G deployment, and readiness for future investment in 6G technologies.

He said that two main tracks are being pursued in fiber-optic development: an FTTH project led by private operators, and a national migration from copper to fiber led by Telecom Iran with the participation of other operators. Describing this as a major and lasting achievement, he noted that it marks a historic shift taking place during the current administration after nearly a century.

“Bold, wise, and forward-looking action is required,” Hashemi said, calling for the mobilization of all available capacities to seize the limited window of opportunity. “We hope, with collective effort, to take timely steps.”

He noted that with the long-awaited auction of 5G spectrum now completed, operators have entered the phase of building and equipping 5G infrastructure. But he emphasized that the core of any high-capacity communication network is data. “These infrastructures exist fundamentally to enable the flow of data.” “Artificial Intelligence”

Addressing the emerging need for national data management, Hashemi underscored the importance of data governance and data-centric development. “To achieve this, we must prioritize expanding storage infrastructure, data centers, and processing power.”

Within this framework, and based on mandates in high-level national plans, the government is moving to redevelop the national cloud platform with private-sector participation. Additionally, the Communications Regulatory Authority intends to issue licenses for AI operators, formally enabling private companies to operate AI services in the country. This initiative, he said, is rooted in the belief that progress in communications and data fields is impossible without the involvement of stakeholders and private industry.

Hashemi concluded by acknowledging existing challenges in the country’s data landscape and stressed the need for stronger collaboration with the private sector to overcome them.