Title: Iran in Talks with Telegram, Seeks Regulated Return of Foreign Platforms
Tehran – Negotiations are underway between the Iranian government and the messaging platform Telegram, marking a significant step in the country’s approach to managing foreign digital services, a senior lawmaker has confirmed.
A Framework for Foreign Platforms
Mostafa Pourdehghan, a member of the Iranian Parliament, detailed that the Supreme Council of Cyberspace has established comprehensive guidelines for the operation of foreign platforms within Iran. This council includes representatives from all branches of government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial, as well as security institutions.
“Based on these resolutions, any platform that accepts the country’s conditions, including security, judicial, and cultural requirements, can resume its activities,” Pourdehghan stated in an interview with the Mehr News Agency.
Positive Negotiations with Outstanding Details
The MP confirmed that talks with Telegram have officially commenced, with conditions being exchanged by both sides. He described the general atmosphere of the negotiations as “positive,” noting that Telegram has shown cooperation on many issues, including security, ethical concerns, and counter-terrorism.
“Of course, there are still disagreements on one or two clauses, which are mostly related to the definition of terms and some legal details,” he added, indicating that the main framework is largely agreed upon.
Safeguarding National Sovereignty a “Red Line”
Pourdehghan emphasized that adherence to Iran’s internal considerations is a non-negotiable principle for the government. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will never place the country’s cyberspace at the unconditional disposal of foreign platforms,” he asserted. “The foreign party must accept these regulations and act accordingly.”
He further explained that the current situation, where many citizens access Telegram through virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxies, creates significant economic costs as well as security and ethical risks. The goal of the negotiations is to create a secure and regulated digital space, eliminating the need for such unauthorized tools.
Ensuring Compliance and Enforcement
A key part of the ongoing discussions involves establishing a robust mechanism for arbitration and guaranteeing Telegram’s compliance with its commitments. Pourdehghan clarified that should any violations occur, Iran would be able to act in accordance with the agreement and re-impose restrictions.
The lawmaker also pointed to international precedents, noting that in many countries, Telegram either operates by accepting local legal conditions or faces restrictions for non-compliance.
A Hopeful Trajectory
While a specific timeline for unblocking Telegram has not been set, Pourdehghan expressed optimism about the progress. He revealed that negotiations are being conducted in phases with several platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube, and that Telegram is currently in a more advanced position.
The MP also acknowledged domestic pressures from two sides: those concerned with national security and those with economic interests tied to the status quo. He urged the government to distinguish between these groups, address the concerns of well-wishers, and stand firmly against profiteering currents.
According to earlier reports, the conditions presented to Telegram include curbing ethnically provocative content, removing content based on citizen complaints, cooperating with the Iranian judiciary, blocking promoters of terrorist content and material contrary to Iran’s national security, and a commitment not to provide Iranian user data to foreign intelligence services.