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Iranian lawmakers have approved the creation of the National Artificial Intelligence Steering Council as part of the country's national AI initiative. The council is tasked with overseeing policymaking and implementing major strategies in the AI domain. Its decisions will be binding for all government institutions.
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the parliament resumed its review of the second report from the Industry and Mines Commission regarding the national AI initiative. During this session, lawmakers approved Article 2 of the initiative.
Composition of the AI Steering Council
According to the parliamentary decision, the council will be chaired by the President of Iran. The head of the National Artificial Intelligence Organization will serve as the council's secretary. Members include senior officials from government, military, and other key branches of power.
Key members of the council include the Vice President for Science and Technology, secretaries of the Supreme Council for Cultural Revolution and Supreme Council of Cyberspace, and ministers of communications, science, health, industry, intelligence, defense, culture, labor, education, and economy. Additional members comprise a representative from the Armed Forces General Staff and heads of organizations such as Budget and Planning, Administrative and Recruitment Affairs, Computer Guild System, National Development Fund, and IRIB. The council also includes the head of the Islamic Seminary Management Center, a judiciary representative, and two parliamentary monitors.
Binding Nature of Council Decisions
Parliamentarians added a provision to this article that mandates all decisions made by the National Artificial Intelligence Steering Council to be binding for government entities. In situations where council decisions conflict with those from other councils, the steering council's decision will be implemented following presidential approval.
