Iran Warns Regional States Against Funding Military AI Firms
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned regional governments, investment funds, and companies against supplying resources to artificial intelligence companies assisting in military aggression or the killing of children, Ynetnews reported on October 18, 2026.
The Warning to Regional Governments and Investment Funds
The Iranian parliamentary leader issued the caution through a public statement specifying that support for targeted artificial intelligence and data firms must cease immediately. According to reporting from WANA News Agency, Ghalibaf detailed that prohibited forms of assistance include funding, equity, land, and energy provisions.
The warning specifically targets entities across the region that provide logistical or financial backing to technological infrastructure linked to military operations. State officials indicated that failure to comply with these restrictions would draw direct countermeasures from Tehran.
The Planned Persian Gulf Data Management Authority
Alongside the ultimatum regarding military-linked artificial intelligence, Ghalibaf announced the impending establishment of a new regional monitoring body known as the “Persian Gulf Data Management Authority.” The Times of Israel noted that this upcoming agency aims to oversee data flows and digital infrastructure developments throughout the surrounding waters and neighboring states.
Details regarding the operational framework, jurisdiction, or enforcement mechanisms of the prospective data authority remain unreleased by Iranian officials. Regional governments have not yet issued formal diplomatic responses to the proposed regulatory body or the threats of coercive action.
Investment Funds Aiding AI Firms Face Punitive Measures
Iran International highlighted the speaker’s emphasis that any corporation or investment fund found aiding artificial intelligence firms involved in hostilities will face punitive measures.