International

ASHGABAT, January 2, 2026 — Turkmenistan has officially legalised cryptocurrency mining and exchange services, marking one of the most significant economic policy changes in the country's recent history as authorities seek to modernise a tightly controlled economy heavily reliant on natural gas exports.&nbsp;President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed legislation that brings virtual assets under the country's civil law framework and establishes a licensing regime for cryptocurrency exchanges and mining operations under the supervision of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan. The move represents a notable shift for one of the world's most isolated states, which has traditionally maintained strict controls over both economic activity and internet access. While the new law legalises cryptocurrency-related businesses, digital assets will not be recognised as legal tender, currency, or securities and cannot be used as an official means of payment.&nbsp;Under the legislation, cryptocurrency exchanges, custodial services, and mining operations must obtain licenses from the central bank and comply with anti-money laundering and know-your-customer requirements. Both domestic and foreign entities may participate in the sector, subject to regulatory approval.&nbsp;The law classifies virtual assets as property rather than money, creating a legal framework governing their creation, storage, exchange, and circulation. Authorities have also prohibited anonymous cryptocurrency transactions and wallets as part of the regulatory structure. Industry observers say the legislation provides long-awaited legal certainty for cryptocurrency activities while maintaining significant government oversight.&nbsp;Turkmenistan's decision follows a broader trend among Central Asian states seeking to position themselves within the global digital asset industry. Neighboring countries, including Kyrgyzstan, have also introduced cryptocurrency initiatives and regulatory frameworks aimed at attracting investment and fostering financial innovation.&nbsp;The effectiveness of Turkmenistan's new framework will depend on how licensing requirements, technical standards, and enforcement mechanisms are implemented in practice. Market participants are expected to closely monitor the rollout of regulations during the coming months.For now, the legislation represents a significant policy departure for a country long associated with economic isolation, signaling a cautious but notable step toward participation in the global digital asset economy.&nbsp;https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/2/turkmenistan-legalises-crypto-mining-and-exchanges-in-shift-for-economy

Turkmenistan introduces licensing framework for digital assets as it seeks to diversify its gas-dependent economy

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Turkmenistan Legalises Crypto Mining and Exchanges in Major Economic Policy Shift

Iran

TEHRAN — The 11th Islamic Finance Conference, organized by the Iranian Association of Islamic Finance (IAIF), brought together leading scholars, policymakers, regulators, and financial experts to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the future of Islamic finance.&nbsp;Held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Islamic Finance,” the conference examined how rapidly advancing technologies are reshaping financial systems rooted in centuries-old Sharia principles, while also addressing broader economic and regulatory challenges facing Iran’s financial sector.&nbsp;Opening the conference, on 15th of February 2025, Dr. Ali Salehabadi, Head of the IAIF, described artificial intelligence as an unavoidable reality rather than a distant innovation. He emphasized that AI is fundamentally “redefining the infrastructure of financial systems”, arguing that the central challenge is no longer whether institutions should adopt AI, but how to ensure it develops within the framework of Sharia principles and economic justice.&nbsp;That warning was reinforced by Dr. Mehran Mohammadian, Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, who described the pace of technological change as “breathtaking.” Comparing the current moment to the early rise of the internet, he argued that society is only seeing “the tip of the iceberg” in terms of AI’s capabilities and warned that countries or organizations that fail to adapt risk significant economic losses.&nbsp;Mohammadian suggested that the world is rapidly approaching a technological “singularity point,” where the distinction between human and machine-generated decisions is becoming increasingly blurred, fundamentally altering governance, policy-making, and economic management.&nbsp;While discussions focused heavily on emerging technology, conference speakers also highlighted the structural resilience of Iran’s Islamic capital market.&nbsp;Hojjatollah Seidi, Head of the Securities and Exchange Organization of Iran (SEO), pointed to the market’s reliance on real assets as a key source of stability amid inflation, political uncertainty, and systemic economic pressures. According to Seidi, Islamic financial systems possess a distinct advantage because they are tied to tangible economic activity, limiting speculative bubbles and distributing risk more rationally across the market. He also noted that Islamic finance has evolved beyond a narrow compliance-based approach into a broader framework centered on trust, sustainability, and resilience.&nbsp;He credited the flexibility of Shia jurisprudence and the work of the SEO’s Shariah Committee for enabling the development of innovative financial instruments capable of adapting to modern economic realities without compromising religious principles.Inflation and Budget Deficits Remain Central Concerns&nbsp;Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghaddam, Head of the Shariah Committee of the SEO and member of the Expediency Discernment Council, argued that persistent budget deficits remain the primary driver of inflation, which has exceeded 45 percent in recent years.He said sustainable inflation control would be impossible without balancing government expenditures and revenues, describing the government’s contractionary budget policy as a difficult but necessary measure.&nbsp;Mesbahi Moghaddam also stressed that achieving the 8 percent growth target outlined in Iran’s Seventh Development Plan would require significantly greater public participation in investment. Among the tools proposed to mobilize public capital were Gold Certificates, designed to absorb excess liquidity while protecting household savings against inflation, and the creation of currency funds aimed at channeling an estimated $70 billion in privately held foreign currency and gold into productive sectors of the economy.&nbsp;AI Applications in Islamic Banking&nbsp;Several presentations focused on the direct application of AI in Islamic banking operations.&nbsp;Dr. Hossein Meysami, faculty member at the Monetary and Banking Research Institute and Secretary of the Sharia Council of the Central Bank, argued that legal and jurisprudential systems often lag behind technological innovation. He warned that delaying AI adoption could leave the banking sector burdened by the costs of technological change without benefiting from its advantages.&nbsp;Meysami proposed several practical applications for AI, including intelligent Sharia supervision systems capable of assisting human regulators in monitoring banking operations and ensuring compliance with Islamic governance standards.He also emphasized the potential for AI to improve customer understanding of Islamic financial contracts by providing personalized explanations tailored to individual users, reducing the risk of fictitious or improperly understood agreements that may violate Sharia principles.&nbsp;Additional applications discussed included automated implementation of Sharia Council decisions, personalized educational tools, support for extracting jurisprudential rulings, and customized profit-rate mechanisms aimed at replacing rigid uniform banking structures.&nbsp;Speakers repeatedly warned that regulatory systems must evolve quickly to keep pace with technological change. Dr. Hossein Fahimi, board member of the IAIF, stressed that AI represents not only a technological issue but also a matter of economic justice and public responsibility.&nbsp;Referencing both the 2008 global financial crisis and recent episodes of volatility in Iranian markets, Fahimi cautioned that inadequate supervision of AI-driven financial activity could create widespread economic harm.Rather than resisting technological development, he called for “intelligent regulation” capable of encouraging innovation while simultaneously protecting investors and ensuring market transparency.&nbsp;He also argued that Islamic jurisprudential principles such as Itlaf (causing loss) and No Harm could serve as foundations for determining legal responsibility in cases involving AI systems.&nbsp;Dr. Mehdi Nouri, Head of the Institute for Economic Research and Development at the University of Tehran, echoed those concerns, saying regulators must abandon traditional supervisory models in favor of agile, data-driven oversight mechanisms.Nouri highlighted both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, including algorithmic trading, fraud detection, risk management, privacy concerns, and increased market volatility. He also emphasized the importance of regulatory sandboxes as controlled environments where regulators and private firms can safely test emerging technologies.&nbsp;AwardsThe conference concluded with the presentation of the 11th Islamic Finance Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to research and innovation in the sector.<ul><li>The award for “Top Islamic Finance Institution of the Year 1404 (2025)” and the prestigious Dr. Mousavian Award were presented to the Iran Mercantile Exchange for its role in developing financial instruments and strengthening links between capital markets and the real economy.</li><li>Mesbahi Moghaddam received the “Top Islamic Finance Book” award for his publication Jurisprudence of the Capital Market.</li><li>Awards were also presented to researchers and graduate students for work focusing on insider information in capital markets, leveraged funds, banking structures, market-making mechanisms, intelligent supervision systems, and AI-related bias in Islamic finance studies.</li><li>Majid Pouyanmehr was named the “Top Individual in the Field of Islamic Finance,” receiving the 7th Dr. Abbas Mousavian Award for his contributions to the industry.</li></ul>

AI is fundamentally “redefining the infrastructure of financial systems” and AI should be used within the framework of Sharia principles and economic justice

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AI and Islamic Finance Converge at IAIF’s 11th Annual Conference

Centre for Contemporary Jurisprudence (Fiqh)

Islamic Seminary

The Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Seminaries, in an interview with IRIB news agency, elaborated on points related to the principle of the Guardianship of the Jurist (Wilayat al-Faqih) and the selection of the third leader of the Islamic Revolution.&nbsp;In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most MercifulAll praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon our master and prophet, Abu al-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and immaculate family, especially the Awaited Savior (Baqiyatullah fi’l-ard), may our souls be sacrificed for him. May Allah hasten his noble reappearance, and may eternal curse be upon all his enemies.&nbsp;On the nineteenth night of the blessed month of Ramadan, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, was subjected to a cowardly and brutal attack by the enemies of Islam. I extend my heartfelt condolences for this great tragedy to the presence of the Awaited Savior, may our souls be sacrificed for him, to all Shiites and devotees, and indeed to all Muslims and the oppressed people of the world.”&nbsp;We are in a period marked by the painful loss of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, which has deeply affected the revolution, society, and the Shiites. His blessed body still rests on the earth, and due to the difficulties created by the enemies of Islam and the resulting insecurity, this pure body remains on earth. Hearts and souls are heavy with grief. However, thanks be to Allah, this loss has been alleviated by last night’s announcement and the Assembly of Experts’ selection of a worthy successor, who will serve as the third leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic. This choice has been a balm to the accumulated sorrows and grief of the people of this country. As we have seen, many expressed that this selection has brought them peace and has somewhat eased the profound and layered sadness. The pillar of the Islamic system is the Guardianship of the Jurist (Wilayat al-Faqih). After the era of the Imams, may peace be upon them, when these great leaders are not visibly present among the people, the responsibility, as ordained, rests upon the qualified jurists (faqihs) who meet the necessary conditions. The central support (pillar) of this system will be raised and upheld by a jurist who fulfills these qualifications. Thanks be to Allah, just as after the passing of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Revolution, God had ordained and prepared a reserve. Before that great leader was chosen, these aspects of the successor were hidden and not apparent. Yet, Allah guided the minds of the Experts at that time to select a personality whose virtues, strong management, and merits became increasingly evident to the world over time. God willing, this current selection will be similar, and God willing, this esteemed figure, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei (may his shadow be extended), will, like his father, uphold this banner. God willing, the hope that the revered father had to entrust this banner to the Awaited Savior (Baqiyatullah al-Azam) will be realized through this son and worthy successor. For a scholar to be successful, several essential elements must be considered.&nbsp;The first pillar for a scholar is jurisprudential expertise, being learned, and having familiarity with the various aspects of Islam. In a well-known narration from Umar ibn Hanzah, Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, said: ‘Someone among you whom I have appointed as ruler, who understands our lawful and prohibited matters and the customary practice of our laws’ &nbsp;("و نظر فی حلالنا و حرامنا و عرف احکامنا" ). He further explained that anyone who opposes this appointed person is, in effect, opposing Imam al-Sadiq himself, and such opposition is considered akin to associating partners with Allah. Thanks be to Allah, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei (may his shadow be extended) has attained the status of “observing their lawful and prohibited matters and customs of their rulings” ("نظر فی حلالهم و حرامهم و عرف احکامهم").&nbsp;Thanks be to Allah, he possesses this first condition and pillar. He has studied for many years under the guidance of prominent scholars and masters in Qom, completing the prepatatory stages before Dars-e-Kharij under trusted professors. I know these professors personally, and they all highly praised his exceptional aptitude and intelligence, noting that he passed those years admirably. For many years, he has taught Dars-e-Kharij, the highest level of study in the seminaries. Naturally, this educational and teaching background has enabled him to attain this most important pillar of his position and office: insight into what is lawful and prohibited and an understanding of customary practices (“نظر فی حلالهم و حرامهم و عرف احکامهم”).”&nbsp;According to the supplications of the Awaited Savior (Baqiyatullah al-Azam), he prayed for the success of all groups, especially scholars, requesting two key qualities: asceticism (zuhd) and sincerity (nasiha). Asceticism refers to detachment from the fleeting material world, including worldly honors and positions. This quality, thanks be to Allah, is present in this family: the late Ayatollah Seyed Javad Khamenei, the late Supreme Leader, and his son, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei. By the grace of Allah, we had the opportunity to visit the late Supreme Leader weekly, and it was clear that his life was one of ascetic devotion. His children were raised similarly, embodying asceticism, piety, God-consciousness, and dedication to struggle. For assuming leadership in Islam, asceticism is a crucial condition. As mentioned in the Du‘a Nudba: “After making them detached from the lowly things of this world…”—God grants the Imams their leadership after testing their asceticism, and their success in these trials is what allows them to attain high stations. Similarly, the success of a religious scholar is measured by this quality, according to narrations concerning the Awaited Imam. Thus, we testify unequivocally that Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei possesses both the first pillar, knowledge of lawful and prohibited matters, and the second pillar, asceticism and detachment from worldly desires. I have also heard that he accepted this position, which the Assembly of Experts insisted upon, out of a sense of duty, despite being in the midst of great personal sorrow—the loss of his esteemed father and mother, his honorable spouse, some sisters, and other relatives. Yet, understanding the country is under attack by the enemies of Islam, Iran, and humanity, he recognized the obligation to uphold the system, keep it dignified, active, and courageous, and to maintain its central pillar.&nbsp;Thanks be to Allah, he accepted this responsibility, responding to the wise choice of the Experts. We also express our gratitude to the Assembly of Experts for performing their duty well and making a sound choice, and to this esteemed scholar for accepting the position. We pray that he is continuously under the guidance and blessings of the Awaited Savior, who is the source of this viceregal authority, and that he may fulfill this responsibility in the best possible way. Another quality that the Awaited Imam (Imam al-Zaman, peace be upon him) desired for the success of scholars is nasiha—sincerity and heartfelt care. Nasiha means genuine concern: that a person cares for the people of his society, for the servants of Allah, and for all social groups, wishing for their well-being, comfort, spiritual growth, and adherence to the path of truth. Thanks be to Allah, we see that this quality is present in this esteemed scholar. I am aware that, alongside his revered father (may Allah have mercy on him), he was an active participant in gatherings held to address various problems. Being present at the heart of these events has given him complete familiarity with theses circumstances and its characteristics, which is a crucial attribute for anyone assuming leadership. He has not been isolated or uninformed; he has been actively present in these critical situations. From his youth, he was involved in the fronts of the Sacred Defense (Jebhe-ye Defa’-e Moqaddas), serving anonymously and without recognition, and without people knowing that he was the son of the respected President of that time. His other children were raised similarly. I am aware of this. This is a divine quality present in this family; they are not ostentatious or showy about their deeds. Thanks be to Allah, I must say that Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba possesses many virtues. God has blessed him with piety and God-consciousness. His lectures were attended by over a thousand students and continued for many years. Reportedly, last year, he paused his lectures for a spiritual reason. Many might continue teaching in order to maintain prominence, but he suspended his lecture out of a spiritual consideration. Some students even petitioned his esteemed father (may Allah have mercy on him) to instruct him to continue, but he reportedly told his father: ‘Do not command me.’ He explained that the audience was suitable for a Marja’s lecture. This is a very high position to be in for a human to recognize one’s limits before the Almighty.&nbsp;From the bottom of my heart, i say that these virtues are extremely important and it is precisely these that attract the blessings and favors of Almighty Allah.&nbsp;These pure intentions and righteous methods attract the blessings and guidance of the Awaited Savior (Baqiyatullah al-Azam, may our souls be sacrificed for him), and everything we have comes from the favors of the Almighty Allah and His chosen ones, among whom today is the Awaited Savior. I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this selection to his blessed self, to the wise and loyal people of this country, and indeed to all the oppressed and downtrodden of the world who hope that this revolution achieves its objectives. We hope that, God willing, during his leadership and guidance, affairs will reach a better state of order, and complete security will be established in the country of the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them. The cultural and economic challenges we face are largely the result of the hostility of our enemies and the problems they have created. Otherwise, this country, with its inherent resources, its God-fearing, highly educated scholars, and its learned citizens, could have achieved remarkable progress. Even now, those who lived through the era of tyranny (the Shah’s regime) and have also witnessed the present period can see that the difference is as vast as heaven and earth. Having personally experienced that time and seeing the present, the change is profound. Despite all the challenges, sanctions, and hostilities—many of which constrained the authorities—significant advancements have nevertheless been made. Consider our armed forces; their remarkable achievements in various fields have been realized under the leadership of our late, beloved Supreme Leader, guided by his counsel, and through the tireless efforts of dedicated &nbsp;scholars who contributed to this path. Other sectors of the country have similarly progressed. God willing, with the special guidance and support of Almighty Allah in this blessed month, and with the assistance of the Master of the God-conscious (Mawla al-Muttaqin) and the Commander of the Faithful (Mawla Amir al-Mu’minin, peace be upon him), who achieved countless victories during the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and afterwards, may God willing these victories be granted to this worthy successor of that great leader.&nbsp;One of the distinguishing attributes of this esteemed scholar is that he comes from this noble lineage—descendants of the Messenger of Allah and of the Commander of the Faithful and the Imams of Guidance, peace be upon them. As some scholars have stated, the Khamenei family’s status as Sayyids is indisputable. It is incumbent upon all of us and upon every segment of society—whether the esteemed clergy, scholars in various fields, university academics, men, women, youth and adolescents, and all those living under the banner of Islam in this country—to express loyalty and support. A leader can only advance his work with steadfast steps when he enjoys the support of the people, and this is an essential requirement.&nbsp;I have heard that in the year 1342 (1963 CE), when Imam Khomeini was arrested and later released, one of those present among the crowds who had gathered to demonstrate support for him was Grand Ayatollah Bahjat. He would come into the crowd to show that we stand in support. Ayatollah Bahjat himself was a highly accomplished faqih of the highest caliber, yet seeing that the banner of Islam was in the hands of Imam Khomeini and that he had raised this flag, he considered it his duty to appear among the crowds who were expressing their loyalty. From the late Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, may Allah have mercy on him, I heard that some of the prominent scholars of Mashhad who were his teachers, such as Ayatollah Mojtaba Qazvini and Mulla Hashem Qazvini, came to Qom from Mashhad to show their loyalty and support when Imam Khomeini began the revolution. Today, God willing, all the great scholars, elites, intellectuals, scientists, members of various professions, and the youth—whom we see in these nights expressing their loyalty and participating actively despite the threat of malicious attacks by enemies—are present heroically, raising slogans and expressing themselves in ways that inspire awe. Sometimes, when one sees these remarks - where a teenager says something that a wise person would say - one is truely moved. Thanks be to Allah, God has granted deep insight to this people and this country. I offer my congratulations and hope that this selection, God willing, will be blessed, and that the void left by the loss of the late great leader will be filled through this esteemed successor. One of his distinguishing qualities is that he is also a Khamenei. This alone continuously evokes the memory and significance of his honored father, who have rendered immense service to this country. God willing, what the leaders of the revolution—Grand Ayatollah Imam Khomeini (may Allah have mercy on him) and his worthy successor, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah have mercy on him)—intended will continue under the leadership of this worthy successor. Indeed, we hope that, with the blessings of Almighty Allah and the Awaited Savior (Baqiyatullah al-Azam, may our souls be sacrificed for him), things will continue to improve ever more. And finally, “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds”.

Ayatollah Shab-Zendeh-Dar, elaborated on the principle of the Wilayat al-Faqi and the selection of the third leader of the Islamic Revolution

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Detailed Statement of Ayatollah Shab-Zendeh-Dar Regarding the Third Leader of the Revolution

Ayatollah Ali Andalibi, a contemporary jurisprudence professor and author of the book “Fiqh of the Stock Exchange and Securities” and also a professor of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, expressed some points in a message approving Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei ijtihad. The text of the message is as follows: &nbsp;In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most MercifulPraise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and prayers and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and his pure family, and curse be upon all their enemies.It is hereby certified that His Eminence, Ayatollah Haj Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei (may the Almighty protect him), possesses the power&nbsp;of Ijtihad, a strong aptitude, and exceptional intelligence in understanding jurisprudential matters. The book on Purity and the Impurity of Wine, which is a written summary of his esteemed lectures, serves as evidence supporting the above statements.&nbsp;May Allah, the Exalted grant him and us success in attaining His Pleasure.Ali Andalib&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://fiqhci.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/tayydh_ayt_allh_endlyby_34824eb171_9bd6ff7e31.jpg"></figure>

Ayatollah Ali Andalibi recognized Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as having the authority of ijtihad.


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Statement of Ayatollah Andalibi regarding Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei

In a video message, Ayatollah Mohammadi Qaeni, while offering condolences on the martyrdom of the nations Supreme Leader, called on believers and scholars to attend gatherings to preserve the Shi'ite government.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://dl.fiqhci.com/library/video/_فیلم آیت الله قائنی پس از شهادت قائد امت.mp4">https://dl.fiqhci.com/library/video/_فیلم آیت الله قائنی پس از شهادت قائد امت.mp4</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ayatollah Mohammadi Qaeni, while offering condolences on the martyrdom of the leader of the nation, called on believers and  and scholars to attend gatherings 

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Ayatollah Qaeni Calls on Scholars to Take Action to Preserve Shi'ite Government

Ayatollah Shahidi has sent the following message to Hojjatoleslam wal-Muslimeen Agha Seyed Mostafa Khamenei, the esteemed son of the Supreme Leader, which we are publishing here with his permission. The message was delivered through one of Agha Mostafa’s relatives, Hojjatoleslam Haj Sheikh Alireza Ostadi, as direct access to him was not possible.&nbsp;In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful&nbsp;Indeed we belong to Allah and indeed to Him we will return&nbsp;To the Great Hojjat al-Islam Hajj Sheikh Alireza Ostadii, may God have mercy on him,&nbsp;The heartbreaking tragedy of the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution, His Holiness Hajj Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as a result of the brutal attack of the cruel and child-killing Zionist regime, accompanied by the aggressive American government, has wounded our hearts, and God is witness that these days, when I am in bed with illness, I cannot rest and I am deeply affected by hearing this news. I ask Your Excellency, if possible, to convey my condolences and sympathies to His Holiness Hajj Seyyed Mustafa Khamenei, may God protect him, and to his other brothers. I pray to God Almighty for forgiveness and divine pleasure for the great leader, and for the survivors and the noble nation of Iran, beautiful patience and a great reward. God willing, the Iranian nation will overcome this life-threatening problem like other problems, and divine help will be with them. And victory is not except from Allah, the Exalted in might, the Wise. Mohammad Taghi Shahidi

Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi Shahidi, one of the contemporary jurisprudence professors, expressed his condolence following the martyrdom of Imam Khamenei.

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Condolences from Ayatollah Shahidi Following the Heartbreaking Martyrdom of the Supreme Leader

Paris, December 3, 2025 — UNESCO has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in courts and tribunals, as legal systems worldwide grapple with the rapid rise of AI technologies.&nbsp;Titled Guidelines for the Use of AI Systems in Courts and Tribunals, the framework seeks to ensure that AI enhances — rather than undermines — human-led justice. The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the uneven adoption of AI tools across judicial systems and the ethical risks associated with their misuse.Courts under pressure from rising caseloads&nbsp;According to UNESCO, justice systems in many countries are struggling with overwhelming backlogs. In one South Asian nation alone, more than 53 million cases remain pending, with some unresolved for over three decades due to a shortage of judges.&nbsp;AI technologies, particularly large language models and automation tools, are increasingly seen as part of the solution. In Argentina, for example, the AI assistant Prometea has boosted case processing rates from 130 to nearly 490 cases per month — a dramatic increase in efficiency. Meanwhile, in Egypt, automated transcription systems introduced in 2024 are improving access to court proceedings and streamlining operations.&nbsp;Despite these benefits, UNESCO warns of serious risks if AI is used without proper oversight. In the United Kingdom, the High Court recently faced two cases where lawyers submitted AI-generated legal arguments citing non-existent case law. The incidents led to delays, increased costs, and fines of up to $5,000.Senior judge Dame Victoria Sharp cautioned that misuse of AI could have “serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system.”&nbsp;UNESCO’s new guidelines introduce 15 core principles to govern the development and use of AI in judicial contexts. These include requirements for transparency, data security, auditability, and — critically — human oversight in all decision-making processes. The framework also outlines practical recommendations for courts and legal professionals, covering the entire lifecycle of AI systems, from development to deployment. It is designed to serve as a global benchmark, enabling countries to create their own tailored regulations.&nbsp;Findings from UNESCO’s 2024 global survey reveal a significant gap in preparedness within the judiciary. While 44% of respondents reported using AI tools, only 9% had received any formal training. At the same time, 73% expressed support for mandatory regulations governing AI use in legal settings.“The message is clear,” UNESCO noted. “AI can help deliver justice faster and more equitably — but only when guided by strong ethical standards and human judgment.”&nbsp;The guidelines build on UNESCO’s long-running Judges’ Initiative, launched in 2013, which has trained more than 36,000 judicial professionals across 160 countries. The programme focuses on issues such as freedom of expression, access to information, and the impact of emerging technologies on justice systems. Development of the new guidelines involved contributions from over 100 experts across 41 countries, as well as reviews by judges, legal scholars, and technology specialists.&nbsp;The guidelines were formally presented at the Athens Roundtable on AI and the Rule of Law in London on December 4, 2025, marking a significant step in global efforts to align technological innovation with fundamental legal principles.As courts continue to modernize, UNESCO emphasized that AI must remain a supportive tool — not a substitute for human authority. “The future of justice depends not only on innovation,” the organization stated, “but on preserving the human values at its core.”&nbsp;https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-courtroom-unescos-new-guidelines-judiciary

UNESCO has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in courts and tribunals.

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UNESCO Issues Global Guidelines on AI Use in Courts to Safeguard Human Justice

Qom, Iran – In a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence with Islamic scholarship, the Islamic Institute of Science, Civilization, and Mysticism unveiled three new knowledge-based products designed to transform research in Islamic sciences through advanced AI technologies.The ceremony, held at the Ahl al-Bayt Conference Hall in Qom, was attended by senior clerics, seminary scholars, and university academics, including:Mohammad Ali Arafi, head of Iran's seminaries; Abolfazl Mobasheri Boushehri; and leading figures from Iran's religious and academic communities.The event highlighted Iran's growing efforts to position itself at the forefront of AI-driven Islamic studies and digital religious scholarship.&nbsp;Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Behrouz Minayi, a prominent Iranian AI researcher, emphasized that the institute's mission extends beyond the digitization of religious texts.According to Minayi, the institute—under the leadership of Ayatollah Arafi—approaches Islamic heritage from a civilizational perspective, seeking to reinterpret and present it to global audiences through advanced technological tools.He stressed that artificial intelligence should serve as an intelligent assistant to scholars, enhancing their ability to understand and analyze complex religious, legal, ethical, and social issues.<blockquote>"For the advancement of a New Islamic Civilization, we must harness the synergy between traditional scholarship and cutting-edge technology."</blockquote>This framing reflects a broader Iranian discourse that sees AI not merely as a technological tool but as an instrument for advancing a modern Islamic intellectual and civilizational project.&nbsp;At the heart of the initiative is the "Mujtahid Assistant", an AI-based decision-support system designed to help Islamic jurists and researchers navigate the vast and expanding body of Islamic legal sources.The platform is intended to:<ul><li>Process enormous volumes of religious data;</li><li>Identify hidden patterns and relationships;</li><li>Assist scholars in drawing jurisprudential inferences;</li><li>Support timely responses to contemporary legal and ethical questions.</li><li>Rather than replacing religious authorities, the system is designed to augment the capabilities of scholars by accelerating research and improving access to relevant sources.</li></ul>Minayi described the associated Nojum platform as:<blockquote>"More than a digital library; it is a semantic processing system that organizes, categorizes, and analyzes millions of religious data points."</blockquote>The system aims to facilitate more informed and efficient legal decision-making while preserving the authority of human jurists.&nbsp;The institute introduced three major products that form the foundation of its AI-enabled Islamic research ecosystem.<h2>1. Rizvan Hadith Corpus</h2>The Rizvan Hadith Corpus is a massive digital collection containing approximately 1.28 million authenticated hadiths drawn from both Shia and Sunni sources.Key features include:<ul><li>Twelve intelligent research services;</li><li>Advanced search and comparative analysis capabilities;</li><li>AI-ready structured data for machine processing.</li><li>According to the institute, the corpus has already generated significant interest:</li><li>More than 500 requests for access;</li><li>Over 300 complete downloads.</li></ul>Minayi described the corpus as the "fuel" that powers AI-based comparative religious research.<h2>2. Thiqaat Mobile Application</h2>The Thiqaat mobile application is designed specifically for scholars and researchers engaged in rijal studies—the study of hadith transmitters and chains of narration.The application provides:<ul><li>Intelligent tracing of hadith chains;</li><li>Analytical tools for assessing narrator reliability;</li><li>Enhanced verification capabilities for religious researchers.</li><li>The latest version reportedly offers improved reasoning and source-analysis functions.</li></ul><h2>3. Thiqaat Verification Platform</h2>The Thiqaat Platform serves as a sophisticated verification engine.Its functions include:<ul><li>Cross-referencing information from the Rizvan corpus;</li><li>Assessing the authenticity of narrations;</li><li>Producing results tailored to the legal methodology of individual jurists.</li><li>The system's outputs can be configured according to a scholar's preferred jurisprudential framework, enabling customized legal analysis.</li></ul>&nbsp;Minayi concluded the event by placing these technological initiatives within a broader civilizational and geopolitical context.He argued that artificial intelligence can become:<blockquote>"A faithful assistant in building a New Islamic Civilization—one grounded in resistance, independence, and resilience."</blockquote>He also referred to the global competition in AI, particularly between the United States and China, and suggested that Iran's path to scientific and intellectual leadership lies in combining technological innovation with its deep religious and scholarly traditions.&nbsp;The unveiling of these platforms represents more than a technological milestone. It illustrates several broader trends:<ul><li>Digital Transformation of Islamic Scholarship: AI is increasingly being used to process, organize, and analyze centuries of Islamic literature that would otherwise require years of manual study.</li><li>Emergence of Computational Fiqh: The initiative contributes to the development of a new field that combines:<ul><li>Islamic jurisprudence,</li><li>Knowledge engineering,</li><li>Semantic technologies,</li><li>Machine learning, and</li><li>Decision-support systems.</li></ul></li><li>Iran's Ambition in Religious AI: The project positions Iran as one of the few countries actively developing AI systems specifically tailored for Islamic jurisprudence and religious sciences.</li><li>Human-in-the-Loop Religious AI: The institute repeatedly emphasized that AI is intended to assist, not replace, religious scholars, preserving the central role of human juristic reasoning (ijtihad).</li></ul>&nbsp;The launch of the Rizvan Hadith Corpus, Thiqaat Mobile Application, and Thiqaat Verification Platform, together with the development of the Mujtahid Assistant, marks an important milestone in the convergence of classical Islamic scholarship and artificial intelligence.By combining advanced computational tools with centuries of religious knowledge, Iran's seminaries are attempting to create a new model of digital Islamic scholarship—one that seeks to modernize research, improve legal reasoning, and contribute to what its proponents describe as the construction of a New Islamic Civilization.&nbsp;https://cica.ismc.ir/en/news-en/75007/iran-unveils-ai-powered-tools-to-revolutionize-islamic-scholarship-and-jurisprudence/

Islamic Institute of Science, Civilization, and Mysticism unveiled three new knowledge-based products designed to transform research in Islamic sciences 

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Iran Unveils AI-Powered Islamic Research Platforms, Marking a New Phase in Digital Islamic Scholarship

Shafaqna – Iran’s Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy stated that nearly 300 knowledge-based companies active in the field of artificial intelligence are currently benefiting from grants and support provided by the Department of Science and Technology. He added that the AI sector in the country is expected to experience significant growth in 2026.&nbsp;According to a report by Shafaqna citing the Iran’s Vice President for Science and Technology, Hossein Afshin announced that new AI-related calls for proposals will be released in the coming days and that support packages for the next year are being prepared. He noted that nearly 300 knowledge-based companies active in this field are currently receiving supportive grants from the Vice Presidency.Regarding the organization's support programs for knowledge-based companies amid the expanding use of artificial intelligence, he said:<blockquote>“We have already issued several calls for proposals in the field of AI, and the next call will most likely be published within the next few days.”</blockquote>The Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy added:<blockquote>“Appropriate support packages have also been planned for next year so that we can continue to support technological development in this field.”</blockquote>He further stated that the good news for the public is that the fundamental infrastructure needed for the growth of AI technology in the country is currently being established. He concluded:<blockquote>“We expect to witness substantial growth in this sector during 2026.”</blockquote>

Grants and support for 300 knowledge-based companies active in artificial intelligence

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Artificial Intelligence Sector in Iran Will Experience Significant Growth in 2026

Vice President for Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy announced the start of Phase 3 of the National Government AI Assistant Project, stating that 15 AI assistants have already been designed for government agencies and ministries.&nbsp;According to Mehr News Agency, the AI Assistant Project, overseen by the Vice President for &nbsp;Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy, was launched in May 2025 for key ministries and executive bodies. The project includes the design and implementation of AI assistants for the Ministries of Health, Economy and Finance, Industry, Communications and Information Technology, Energy, Agriculture, and other government organizations.&nbsp;The initiative aims to develop specialized AI assistants tailored to each ministry. By utilizing large volumes of sector-specific data, these tools are intended to analyze the consequences and outcomes of management decisions and support policy and decision-making processes. Under the project's implementation framework, responsibility for developing each ministry’s AI assistant has been assigned to leading Iranian universities according to their areas of expertise. To encourage competition and diversity in the final products, a different university has been selected for each ministry. These selections were made in consultation with the ministries and based on the universities’ scientific and research capabilities.&nbsp;In the first phase, approximately 14 selected universities were tasked with participating in model development, data analysis, and the localization of AI tools. Officials say this effort strengthens the role of universities in producing applied knowledge and developing strategic technologies. Previously, Hossein Afshin, Vice President for &nbsp;Science and Technology, stated that universities are required to use domestic language models when designing the AI assistants. Institutions that turned to foreign models reportedly received warnings. According to Afshin, one of the project's primary goals is the development of Iranian and Persian large language models (LLMs).<h3>Four Phases of the Project</h3>The AI Assistant Project is structured into four implementation phases:<ol><li>Phase 1: Uploading laws, regulations, and directives into the system so that ministers can verify whether proposed decisions comply with legal requirements. The system can then provide alerts and recommendations.</li><li>Phase 2: Integration of ministries’ day-to-day operational data.</li><li>Phase 3: Predictive analytics and decision-support modeling.</li><li>Phase 4: Final validation and continuous optimization of the system.</li></ol>According to the announced schedule:<ul><li>The first stage of Phase 1 was to be completed by June.</li><li>Phase 2 by October.</li><li>Phase 3 by January.</li><li>Final validation by the end of the Iranian year 1404 (March 2026).</li></ul>An initial version of the assistants was reviewed in August, and modifications to their content were subsequently planned.<h3>Budget</h3>Officials estimate that the total cost of designing an AI assistant for each ministry across all project phases will be between 13 and 15 billion tomans (approximately 130–150 billion rials).If a university is responsible for developing assistants for two ministries, it may receive funding of around 30 billion tomans.<h3>15 AI Assistants Developed So Far</h3>In an interview with Mehr News Agency, Hossein Afshin, explained that “So far, 15 AI assistants have been designed for various government agencies and ministries. The first and second phases have been completed, and Phase 3 has now begun. We also plan to continue expanding the project during 1405 (March 2026–March 2027).”&nbsp;He outlined the allocation of responsibilities among universities:<ul><li>University of Tehran — Ministry of Petroleum</li><li>Amirkabir University of Technology — Ministry of Roads and Urban Development</li><li>Isfahan University of Technology — Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade</li><li>Shiraz University — Ministry of Agriculture (Jihad-e-Agriculture)</li><li>Tarbiat Modares University — Department of Environment</li><li>Alzahra University — Ministry of Communications and Information Technology</li></ul>Afshin emphasized that the project is large in scope and must continue to be expanded and completed.<blockquote>“Our ultimate objective was not merely to execute a project. More importantly, we wanted to introduce the culture and practical use of artificial intelligence into government ministries and agencies, and fortunately we have made a successful start.”</blockquote>&nbsp;

Vice President for Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy announced the start of Phase 3 of the National Government AI Assistant Project