Iran

Speaking to the Iranian news outlet Citna, Saeed Setaayeshi, Full Professor at the Faculty of Energy Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology said:<blockquote>"In my opinion, we are fundamentally not at a stage where the absence of internet access can seriously harm the country's AI sector. I say this from a scientific perspective, not a media or promotional one."</blockquote>He explained that the AI tools currently accessible to Iranian users via the internet are products of the needs, data, and challenges of developed countries.<blockquote>"These systems have been designed and trained to solve the problems of those countries. Therefore, when we use them, we are essentially consumers of tools that were not created for our social, economic, and data structures."</blockquote>He went further, arguing that under current circumstances, lack of access may in some ways be preferable to dependence on systems in which Iran is merely a consumer.<blockquote>"When a user asks an AI system a question, the interaction is not one-way. The user's behavioral data, questions, and thought patterns are also analyzed and stored. Therefore, we are not merely users—we ourselves become a source of data."</blockquote>The professor emphasized that if Iran wants AI systems tailored to national needs, it must develop:Independent computing infrastructure;<ul><li>Powerful servers;</li><li>The capability to design and manage data centers;</li><li>Organized and standardized domestic datasets; and</li><li>A reliable national operating system and software infrastructure.</li></ul>&nbsp;He added: "Once such an infrastructure exists, it will be possible to design systems that can function effectively even without direct dependence on the global internet."&nbsp;Addressing public dissatisfaction with internet outages, Setaayeshi said that a significant portion of current AI usage in Iran involves:<ul><li>Student assignments,</li><li>Solving examination questions,</li><li>Rapid content generation, or</li><li>Providing general responses to personal concerns.</li></ul>According to him, in many cases these tools can even reduce creativity and independent research.&nbsp;Concluding his remarks, Setaayeshi reiterated:<blockquote>"The main issue is the absence of a domestic AI infrastructure—not internet speed or lack of internet access. If we had developed systems based on domestic data, powerful local processing centers, and AI tailored to our real needs, then we could discuss the role of the internet in AI development. Under current conditions, however, we are more consumers of technology than producers of it."</blockquote>Interview by Fatemeh Moradkhani.&nbsp;https://www.citna.ir/news/338084/ستایشی-استاد-تمام-دانشگاه-امیرکبیر-زیرساخت-گره-کور-هوش-مصنوعی-ایران

Iran Is Not Yet at a Stage Where Internet Restrictions Damage Its AI Sector

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Professor at Amirkabir University: Infrastructure Is the Missing Link in Iran's AI Development

International

The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA) has announced that its 22nd Annual Imams' Conference will focus on one of the most pressing issues facing Muslim communities today: the jurisprudential implications of social media and artificial intelligence. The conference will be held from August 28-30, 2026, followed by specialized workshops on August 31. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)&nbsp;The conference, titled "Contemporary Fiqh Issues Related to Social Media and Artificial Intelligence," reflects the growing interest among Islamic scholars worldwide in addressing the ethical, legal, and societal questions arising from rapidly advancing digital technologies. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)&nbsp;Among the most significant topics on the agenda is the role of AI in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and religious authority.Scholars will discuss whether artificial intelligence can:<ul><li>Answer basic and agreed-upon jurisprudential questions;</li><li>Assist in issuing religious verdicts (fatwas);</li><li>Perform functions traditionally reserved for qualified scholars (muftis);</li><li>Serve as an automated commentator, hadith scholar, or mentor;</li><li>Participate in legal arbitration and dispute resolution. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)</li></ul>The conference will also examine whether AI can undertake forms of ijtihad—the process of independent legal reasoning—and whether machine-generated religious opinions can ever possess legitimacy without human accountability. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)&nbsp;A separate track will explore how scholars can responsibly use artificial intelligence to improve research and education.Topics include:<ul><li>Semantic search across classical Islamic texts;</li><li>AI-assisted drafting of research papers and fatwas;</li><li>Manuscript restoration using computer vision;</li><li>Translation of the Qur'an and hadith literature;</li><li>Generation of educational materials for seminaries and mosques. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)</li></ul>The discussions mirror initiatives underway in countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia, where religious institutions are increasingly experimenting with AI-powered tools for Islamic research.&nbsp;The conference also moves beyond scholarly applications and addresses AI's impact on everyday Muslim life.Participants will debate issues such as:<ul><li>The permissibility of creating and sharing deepfakes;</li><li>AI-driven surveillance and facial recognition;</li><li>Ownership of biometric data and digital identities;</li><li>Emotional relationships with AI companions and virtual partners;</li><li>The use of AI for cheating, deception, and manipulation. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)</li></ul>The agenda frames these questions through established principles of Islamic jurisprudence, including:<ul><li>Prevention of harm (la darar wa la dirar);</li><li>Blocking the means to wrongdoing (sadd al-dhara'i);</li><li>Protection of religion, life, intellect, family, and property—the five higher objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al-shariah). (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)</li></ul>&nbsp;Another major theme is the role of Muslims in building artificial intelligence itself.Conference sessions will consider:<ul><li>Whether it is permissible to develop dual-use technologies that can be employed for both beneficial and harmful purposes;</li><li>Ethical questions surrounding autonomous life-and-death decisions by AI systems;</li><li>Social consequences such as unemployment and privacy violations;</li><li>The permissibility of training AI systems on prohibited content in order to filter or moderate such material. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)</li></ul>In recognition that AI is already transforming religious work, AMJA will also host a practical workshop titled "AI for Imams and Community Workers."The workshop will train religious leaders to use AI tools for:<ul><li>Sermon preparation;</li><li>Research and translation;</li><li>Community outreach;</li><li>Content creation;</li><li>Detecting misinformation and developing responsible AI practices in Islamic settings. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)</li><li>Another workshop will focus on engaging Generation Z Muslims, examining how social media and artificial intelligence shape faith, identity, and belonging among younger generations. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)</li></ul>The conference underscores a broader trend in contemporary Islamic scholarship: the emergence of AI fiqh, a rapidly developing field that seeks to apply classical principles of Islamic law to questions raised by artificial intelligence and digital technologies.By bringing together jurists, imams, and technology experts, the conference aims to provide a framework for how Muslim communities can navigate the opportunities and challenges of the AI era while remaining rooted in Islamic ethical and legal traditions. (<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">AMJA Online</a>)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai">https://www.amjaonline.org/22nd-imams-conference-fiqh-social-media-ai</a>&nbsp;

Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America has announced that its 22nd Annual Imams' Conference will focus on jurisprudential implications of social media & AI

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U.S. Muslim Jurists to Examine AI and Social Media Through the Lens of Islamic Law

Tehran (IRNA) – Officials from Iran's Department of Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy announced that the national AI platform has resumed operations and that 14 AI assistants have been delivered to the organization in the first phase of the project.&nbsp;According to IRNA's Science Unit, the head of the Center for Steering Knowledge-Based Economy Development Headquarters said during a meeting on the progress of AI assistant projects, attended by Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, Hossein Afshin, that support measures had been taken to ensure the continuation of the project.&nbsp;Mohammad Bagher Ghaznavi, supervisor of the AI Assistants Project, presented a report on the project's implementation. He said that the universities and companies participating in the initiative began their activities in March 2025 and additional participants have recently joined.&nbsp;He noted that all active projects have until July 6 to complete their commitments, after which the first phase of the project will be closed.According to Ghaznavi, the second phase, currently underway, focuses on business intelligence and the modeling of government ministries. This stage involves identifying and modeling ministries' business structures, databases, and information relationships.&nbsp;One of the project's major technical achievements, he said, was the design and deployment of a single indigenous standard for all projects. The standard is based on the international CRISP-DM framework, and several in-person and virtual workshops have been held to familiarize participants with it."The goal was for all universities and project implementers to develop their projects using a common language and a unified framework," he said.At the end of the first phase, 14 AI assistants, along with their source code and technical documentation, were delivered to the Vice Presidency for Science. Some are already operational, while others remain unused due to insufficient infrastructure, including hosting and stable deployment services.Ghaznavi also announced the development of a unified system for executing the projects. Rather than focusing on separate software development efforts, the new phase emphasizes data modeling and understanding ministry processes.&nbsp;A common platform was designed and provided to all participants to upload their data and models. To date, information from 12 project implementers has been integrated into the third version of this system. He described resolving issues related to data ownership and information governance as one of the project's most significant achievements. With cooperation from the Vice Presidency and relevant agencies, effective steps have been taken to establish mechanisms for accessing the data required by the project.&nbsp;Ghaznavi importantly highlighted that the ultimate goal is to create systems capable of predicting the country's data trends and, eventually, to provide a foundation for developing digital twins of government agencies.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.irna.ir/news/86188262/بازگشت-سکوی-هوش-مصنوعی-به-مدار-خدمت-تحویل-۱۴-دستیار-هوش-مصنوعی">https://www.irna.ir/news/86188262/بازگشت-سکوی-هوش-مصنوعی-به-مدار-خدمت-تحویل-۱۴-دستیار-هوش-مصنوعی</a>&nbsp;

The national AI platform has resumed operations and 14 AI assistants have been completed in the first phase

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14 AI Assistants Delivered to Department of Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy

Tehran (IRNA) – Iran's Vice President for Science announced a change in the support model for the AI Assistant Project, stating that, to measure the actual demand of government agencies, 70% of project costs will now be covered by the Vice Presidency for Science and 30% by the requesting ministries.&nbsp;A meeting to review the progress of AI assistant projects was held on Saturday, June 20, at the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, attended by Vice President for Science Hossein Afshin. During the meeting, project teams developing AI assistants for government agencies presented their latest achievements and project outcomes, and the progress of the initiatives was evaluated.&nbsp;Afshin emphasized the need to develop technology within the country's executive structures, noting that although Iran ranks among the top 12 to 14 countries in the world in AI scientific output, there remains a significant gap between scientific achievements and practical applications.According to him, narrowing this gap requires cooperation among universities, the government, and executive agencies, as well as overcoming resistance to the use of data and modern technologies.&nbsp;Afshin stated that the concept of management has fundamentally changed:<blockquote>"Organizations and businesses can no longer be run using traditional methods. The world's successful companies are those that know how to manage data."</blockquote>He added that big data cannot be managed solely through human capabilities, and artificial intelligence plays a central role in this field. Consequently, efforts are underway to shift decision-making processes in ministries toward a data-driven approach.Addressing concerns about AI assistants, he clarified that these systems are not intended to replace managers. Instead, they collect and analyze data to help decision-makers make more informed and accurate decisions.&nbsp;Afshin stressed that the AI Assistants Project was never envisioned as a short-term initiative.<blockquote>"We never saw this as a six-month or one-year project. It is a living and continuous project that must constantly be updated and developed."</blockquote>He added that the ultimate goal is not merely to deploy several AI assistants within ministries; rather, these assistants could eventually evolve into a comprehensive assistant for the country's governance system and even for the President.&nbsp;Afshin pointed to the practical outcomes of the initiative, saying that large-scale and even multi-million-dollar AI contracts are beginning to emerge in the country, thanks to the efforts of universities, knowledge-based companies, and project teams.He cited an example in the oil sector: the Vice Presidency previously supported an AI project for a single oil well, but new agreements now cover the intelligent management of dozens of oil wells, including one project involving 37 wells and another of similar scale.According to him, this trend demonstrates that Iranian industries are increasingly recognizing the economic and operational benefits of AI and digital transformation.&nbsp;Afshin noted that in many cases, up to 90% of project funding was paid before project completion to accelerate technological development.Universities are required to fulfill their commitments by July 6, 2026 (15 Tir), and any institution that fails to do so will not be allowed to participate in the next phase. He also acknowledged challenges faced during the past year, including internet disruptions and special national circumstances, which affected the progress of AI assistant projects. Nevertheless, most teams were able to continue according to schedule.&nbsp;Announcing the next phase of the project, Afshin said: 70% of project costs will be funded by the Vice Presidency for Science and 30% will be funded by the beneficiary ministry. The purpose of this model is to determine the genuine demand for AI projects and encourage ministries to take an active role in investment. He further revealed that next year the ratio will be reversed: 70% of costs will be paid by ministries and 30% by the Vice Presidency for Science.In subsequent years, projects are expected to become self-sustaining, financed through the value and benefits they generate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Concluding the meeting, Afshin emphasized that although the AI Assistants Project was designed to address governmental and executive challenges, it has also strengthened research groups, student teams, and scientific activities in universities, with its positive effects already visible in the development of Iran's AI ecosystem.&nbsp;https://www.irna.ir/news/86188258/معاونت-علمی-مدل-حمایت-از-پروژه-دستیار-هوش-مصنوعی-را-بازطراحی

70% of project costs will now be covered by the Vice Presidency for Science and 30% by the requesting ministries

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Vice Presidency for Science Redesigns Support Model for AI Assistant Project

The 10th Annual Meeting of the Big Data Auditing Working Group of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) was held in Kenya, with the active participation of a high-level delegation from the Supreme Audit Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran.&nbsp;According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) News Agency, the international meeting was attended by representatives of the supreme audit institutions of more than 18 countries, with active participation from the Iranian delegation consisting of:Hassan Zamani, Deputy for Legal Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs, and Budget Auditing of the Supreme Audit Court of Iran;Rahim Zare and Hojjatoleslam Javad Nikbin, members of the Iranian Parliament's Planning, Budget, and Accounts Commission.&nbsp;As the first speaker on the second day of the conference, Hassan Zamani referred to the growing role of information systems, databases, and electronic transactions in generating public resources and revenues and stated:<blockquote>"In the new era of governance, traditional auditing methods based on reviewing a limited number of documents and conducting occasional sampling are no longer capable of addressing the complexity and breadth of economic activities. Therefore, utilizing the capacities of big data auditing as a modern approach to financial oversight makes it possible to conduct comprehensive monitoring, intelligent analysis, and the timely detection of irregularities in the area of public resources and revenues."</blockquote>He also emphasized the necessity of Developing technological infrastructure; Enhancing specialized capabilities; and Employing modern technologies to increase the effectiveness of financial oversight and safeguard public assets.&nbsp;The conference opened with speeches by:Nancy Gathungu, Chair of the Organization of English-Speaking African Supreme Audit Institutions and Auditor-General of Kenya; andIsma Yatun, Chair of Indonesia's Audit Board and the incoming Chair of INTOSAI.During the event, participants discussed and exchanged views on the most important issues, opportunities, and challenges related to big data auditing in the era of digital transformation and artificial intelligence.&nbsp;On the sidelines of the conference, the Iranian delegation also held separate bilateral meetings with: the heads of the supreme audit institutions of Indonesia and Kenya; and Deputy officials of the supreme audit institutions of India and China.&nbsp;The INTOSAI Big Data Auditing Working Group, which includes more than 50 supreme audit institutions from countries such as China, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Canada, Russia, India, Pakistan, South Korea, and Turkey, operates as one of the key specialized working groups under INTOSAI's Knowledge Sharing Committee.The Supreme Audit Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran became a permanent member of this specialized working group in 2024&nbsp; and has since played an active role in advancing its programs and professional initiatives.&nbsp;https://www.iribnews.ir/fa/news/5831668/حضور-هیئت-دیوان-محاسبات-در-اجلاس-کارگروه-حسابرسی-اینتوسای

The 10th Annual Meeting of the Big Data Auditing Working Group of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) was held in Kenya

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Iranian Delegation Participates in INTOSAI Big Data Auditing Working Group Meeting

The conference "Artificial Intelligence in the Age of Crisis," which examined the crucial role of emerging technologies in addressing complex managerial and media challenges, was held with the participation of experts and industry stakeholders.&nbsp;The event took place on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Baladieh Building in Tehran. It was organized in cooperation with the municipality and supported by a number of companies, specialized centers, and organizations active in Iran's artificial intelligence and digital economy sectors.&nbsp;The conference explored various aspects of:<ul><li>The development of artificial intelligence during times of crisis;</li><li>The resilience of the digital economy;</li><li>Technology governance; and</li><li>The infrastructure requirements necessary for the growth of AI.</li></ul>During the panel, Amirhossein Asgari, CEO of Datak, challenged conventional perceptions of technology and emphasized that in times of crisis, artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury, a showcase technology, or merely decorative.Instead, he argued, AI has become:<blockquote>"An inseparable part of the infrastructure for survival, decision-making, and organizational resilience."</blockquote>Referring to Datak's experience in data analysis, media monitoring, and public opinion assessment, Asgari said:<blockquote>"Contrary to popular belief, the main problem organizations face during crises is not a lack of information. The real challenge is dealing with massive amounts of scattered data, rumors, conflicting narratives, and the anxiety dominating the media environment."</blockquote>He added that the speed at which narratives evolve on social media far exceeds the pace of traditional managerial decision-making.As a result, organizations that are not equipped with intelligent tools often become aware of environmental changes too late and lose the ability to distinguish critical signals from meaningless noise.&nbsp;Asgari criticized superficial approaches to technology and noted that the future of AI in Iran is tied directly to its practical application in solving real business and crisis-management challenges.According to him, the true value of AI emerges when it moves beyond emotional reactions and simple content generation and becomes directly integrated into operational decision-making processes.&nbsp;He further explained that artificial intelligence and social listening tools enable managers to understand:<ul><li>Which topics are becoming prominent;</li><li>Which signals have the potential to trigger crises; and</li><li>In which direction public opinion is moving.</li></ul>This process shifts organizations away from a passive, "post-crisis reaction" approach and toward early detection and proactive decision-making.&nbsp;At the conclusion of the panel, participants emphasized that the primary mission of artificial intelligence in the modern era is to develop a deeper understanding of society and reduce the degree of surprise organizations face when confronted with media waves and crises.They stressed that transforming vast amounts of raw data into actionable insights is the only way for businesses and institutions to successfully navigate the country's critical challenges and periods of crisis.&nbsp;https://www.isna.ir/news/1405033119101/هوش-مصنوعی-در-عصر-بحران-از-ابزار-لوکس-تا-زیرساخت-بقا-و-تصمیم-گیری

Artificial Intelligence in Times of Crisis: From a Luxury Tool to Critical Infrastructure for Survival and Proactive Decision-Making

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Conference on Artificial Intelligence in the Age of Crisis 

Online webinar titled “Philosophy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A lifeline &nbsp;or a Luxury?” was held by the Scientific Association of Wisdom at the University of Razavi Islamic Sciences in cooperation with Imam Ali Research Institute. The event examined the relationship between philosophy, humanity, and artificial intelligence in the contemporary world.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://fiqhci.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/Chat_GPT_Image_Jun_12_2026_09_45_49_AM_76888e0653.png"></figure>&nbsp;According to Astan News, the webinar was held on Monday, 8 June 2026, with Dr. Asadollah Rahmanzadeh, a philosophy researcher and professor at the University of California, as the speaker; Dr. Ahmad Maleki, head of the Imam Ali Research Institute, as an expert; and Professor Mohammadreza Karam-Rezaei as the scientific secretary.&nbsp;At the beginning of the session, Dr. Asadollah Rahmanzadeh referred to the main branches of philosophy in the Western tradition, stating that philosophy in the West is generally pursued in areas such as epistemology, ontology, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, and logic. Overall, it concerns reflection on the limits of human knowledge, truth, existence, and the ways of human life.&nbsp;He explained that philosophy begins by questioning what humans normally take for granted in everyday life, adding that people usually assume they already know what knowledge, ethics, and beauty are; however, philosophy begins precisely where these seemingly self-evident assumptions are questioned. According to him, philosophy entered a new stage with Socrates, who challenged the claims of those who considered themselves knowledgeable. Referring to the relationship between philosophy and artificial intelligence, he stated that many formal and logical structures developed in philosophy and logic are now used in AI technologies. First-order logic, probabilistic reasoning, inference, and rational planning are among the tools that play a role both in philosophical tradition and in AI modeling.&nbsp;Referring to the Turing Test and the problem of distinguishing humans from machines, Rahmanzadeh added that if a machine can behave in conversation in such a way that an external evaluator cannot distinguish it from a human, it is said to have passed the Turing Test. He emphasized that today this question has become more significant: if we reduce thinking merely to logic, formal reasoning, and information processing, where does the fundamental difference between humans and machines lie?&nbsp;He stressed that the crisis of the age of artificial intelligence lies in the distortion of the depth of philosophical thought and its relation to human existence. If humans are understood only in terms of instrumental rationality and formal structures, the boundary between human and machine will ultimately be weakened. According to him, in such a situation, philosophy can provide an opportunity to return to fundamental questions about human beings, meaning, truth, and human existence.&nbsp;In continuation of the session, Dr. Ahmad Maleki also expressed appreciation for the activities of the Scientific Association of Wisdom at the University of Razavi Islamic Sciences and defined philosophy from his perspective, saying: philosophy is the free method of discussion centered on human understanding and reason regarding existence and phenomena. Philosophy arises when humans, without bias, preconceptions, or personal interests, seek to understand truth. He added that philosophy is not merely a set of theories or historical schools of thought; rather, its essence lies in philosophizing itself—an authentic and free intellectual movement to discover reality. According to Maleki, different philosophical schools, despite significant differences, remain within the realm of philosophy as long as they do not depart from rational and logical methods.&nbsp;Referring to the relationship between religious philosophy and free thought, he stated that if someone enters philosophy with predetermined assumptions and then uses it merely to justify them, such an activity is no longer genuine philosophizing. However, this issue is not limited to religious philosophy; in many intellectual currents, philosophy may be used in service of power, desire, interests, or unexamined assumptions. Furthermore, Maleki stated that one of the features of this era is that humans compare themselves with artificial intelligence and experience an identity crisis. In this situation, the question of the difference between humans and machines becomes a fundamental issue. Emphasizing the distinction between humans and AI, he added that no matter how much data processing, analysis, and response capability AI may have, self-awareness in the true sense does not exist. In Islamic philosophy, the human soul possesses a kind of self-knowledge, and this self-awareness is considered one of the fundamental distinctions between humans and machines.&nbsp;Referring to the ethical challenges of the modern world, he noted that one characteristic of the present age is the weakening of the foundations of ethics. This does not simply mean an increase in unethical behavior, but rather that in many contemporary approaches, there is no longer a rational foundation for moral obligation, making it difficult for modern humans to engage in fundamental ethical dialogue.&nbsp;At the end of the session, the speakers emphasized that the age of artificial intelligence is not only a period of technological advancement but also an era that confronts humans with profound questions about truth, consciousness, ethics, meaning, and their place in the world—questions that cannot be answered without returning to philosophical thinking.&nbsp; https://news.razavi.ir/fa/news/709515/فلسفه-در-عصر-هوش-مصنوعی-ساحلی-برای-نجات-انسان-یا-یک-سرگرمی-بیهوده

Webinar “Philosophy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A lifeline or a Luxury?” held by University of Razavi Islamic Sciences 

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Philosophy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A lifeline or a Luxury?

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting News Agency (IRIB News), Seyed Kamran Bagheri, CEO of Smileino, a knowledge-based company, stated that the growing use of artificial intelligence in everyday life and professional activities has highlighted the need for local AI tools tailored to the language, culture, and requirements of Iranian users. In response, Smileino has prioritized the development of Persian-language AI solutions.&nbsp;Referring to Zigap, one of the company's achievements, Bagheri explained that Zigap is a comprehensive intelligent assistant for Persian speakers, designed to address a wide range of user needs through a simple and user-friendly environment. The assistant enables users to perform many daily tasks, including interacting with AI, generating images, and other activities.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:38.52%;"><img src="https://fiqhci.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/image_19bde3bf2e.png"></figure>&nbsp;He added that Zigap will soon offer a broad range of digital services, significantly improving access to both public and private services. One of its key goals is to provide a Persian-language platform tailored to the needs of Iranian users, allowing them to benefit from AI services in various aspects of daily life without relying on foreign systems. Currently, more than 20 services are available through Zigap, serving approximately 2 million users.&nbsp;Bagheri also introduced Ham-Hoosh, a specialized AI platform designed to drive AI transformation within organizations and businesses. The platform leverages existing digital tools within organizations and integrates them with AI technologies, enabling significant productivity gains and substantial improvements in organizational management.&nbsp;Built on top of organizations' existing digital infrastructures, the platform helps businesses harness AI to solve core operational challenges in ways that were previously impossible. Bagheri noted that many organizations possess vast amounts of scattered data across numerous digital systems. However, understanding and effectively utilizing this data has remained a major challenge. He explained that Ham-Hoosh uses the latest advances in AI technology to interpret and analyze this data, enabling organizations to make better decisions and improve performance. This added value is especially important for large enterprises.&nbsp;According to Bagheri, Ham-Hoosh can be applied across various organizational functions, including customer support, operations, sales, maintenance, finance, procurement, and more. In addition to improving user experience, the platform provides senior executives with unprecedented managerial insights that were previously unimaginable. As a result, many large Iranian companies and organizations are already using Ham-Hoosh to significantly enhance their business operations.&nbsp;Emphasizing the role of knowledge-based companies in advancing strategic technologies, Bagheri stated that the development of indigenous AI products not only addresses domestic needs but also contributes to building a strong technology ecosystem, creating specialized employment opportunities, expanding software infrastructure, and increasing the share of the knowledge-based economy. He further stressed that investing in AI and supporting knowledge-based companies active in this field are among the most important prerequisites for maintaining a strong presence in future technological competition. Domestic teams and products can play a vital role in strengthening technological independence and developing national capabilities.&nbsp;Bagheri concluded by noting that products such as Zigap and Ham-Hoosh have been developed based on the expertise of Iranian specialists. Their widespread adoption, however, depends on increasing public awareness of local AI capabilities and strengthening the country's technology ecosystem through the support of relevant authorities and institutions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iribnews.ir/00OPs8">https://www.iribnews.ir/00OPs8</a>&nbsp;

A domestic knowledge-based company has successfully designed and developed two indigenous AI-based products to meet the needs of users and organizations 

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Expansion of Indigenous AI Solutions for Businesses

Tehran (IRNA) – A special research grant call titled “Religious Sciences and Knowledge: Islamic Theoretical Studies on Artificial Intelligence” has been announced for faculty members. Applicants may submit research proposals from June 7 to August 7, 2026.&nbsp;According to the National Science Foundation of Iran, artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most advanced and influential technological achievements of the 21st century. Its impact extends far beyond scientific and industrial fields into nearly every aspect of human life, and this influence continues to expand rapidly. It can even be argued that AI has fundamentally changed the way people live. While AI initially appears to be a technology that serves humanity by dramatically increasing efficiency and productivity, a deeper examination reveals that it is reshaping the world and, consequently, transforming human beings themselves. This broad influence creates not only opportunities but also complex challenges that require careful and comprehensive study.&nbsp;The call invites faculty members from universities, seminaries, and recognized research institutions to submit proposals in the following priority areas.<h2>Priority Research Areas</h2><h3>1. Philosophical and Rational Studies of AI</h3><ul><li>Ontology of AI</li><li>Epistemology of AI</li><li>Logic of AI</li><li>Human foundations of AI (philosophy of mind and AI)</li><li>Value foundations of AI (AI ethics, etc.)</li><li>Psychology of AI</li><li>Cognitive science and AI</li></ul><h3>2. Theological and Religious Studies of AI</h3><ul><li>Theology of AI</li><li>Islamic theology (kalam) and AI</li><li>Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and AI</li><li>Religious studies and AI</li><li>Islamic studies and AI (Qur’anic studies, exegesis, principles of jurisprudence, Islamic history)</li></ul><h3>3. Legal and Economic Studies of AI</h3><ul><li>AI law (foundations, applications, development)</li><li>AI economics (foundations, applications, development)</li></ul><h3>4. Governance and Policy Studies of AI</h3><ul><li>AI governance</li><li>Cyberspace and AI</li><li>Security and AI</li><li>Cognitive warfare and AI</li><li>Politics and AI</li></ul><h3>5. Applied AI Studies</h3><ul><li>Strategies for using AI in religious studies and activities</li><li>Opportunities and challenges of AI adoption</li><li>AI in education</li><li>AI in religious outreach and preaching</li><li>AI in research</li><li>AI in judicial decision-making</li><li>AI in training and character development</li></ul><h3>6. Futures Studies of AI</h3><ul><li>Foundations of AI foresight and future studies</li><li>AI singularity</li><li>AI and future studies of religion and religiosity</li><li>Artificial life</li><li>Smart government and smart cities</li></ul><h3>7. Civilization, Society, and Culture Studies</h3><ul><li>Sociology of AI</li><li>Cultural studies of AI</li><li>Family and AI</li></ul><h3>8. AI and the Human and Islamic Sciences</h3><ul><li>Nature and identity of digital humanities and digital Islamic studies</li><li>Ontological, anthropological, epistemological, and theological foundations of digital humanities and Islamic sciences</li><li>AI-related issues in literature, sociology, psychology, linguistics, management, economics, political science, education, family studies, culture and civilization, and history</li></ul><h2>Eligibility</h2>Applicants must be active faculty members of:<ul><li>Universities,</li><li>Islamic seminaries,</li><li>Or research institutions approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.</li></ul>Applicants should possess a relevant academic record in Islamic theoretical studies of AI. Those lacking direct expertise must collaborate with researchers knowledgeable in both AI and Islamic theoretical studies.<h3>Required Research Outputs</h3>Applicants must commit to delivering the following mandatory research outputs:<ul><li>One scholarly book presenting the project's theoretical framework, findings, and contributions.</li><li>Peer-reviewed research articles, including at least one of the following:<ul><li>Articles published in ISC-indexed academic journals; and/or</li><li>Articles published in reputable international journals indexed in recognized citation databases such as JCR, ISI (Web of Science), or Scopus.</li></ul></li></ul>Researchers may also propose additional outputs—such as policy briefs, educational materials, digital resources, conference presentations, or other scholarly products—where appropriate to the objectives and scope of the project. Such outputs will be evaluated based on their relevance, quality, and potential impact.<h2>Research Requirements</h2>To ensure focused and impactful work, proposals should be:<ul><li>Theory-building and innovative,</li><li>Addressing specific theoretical problems in AI,</li><li>Problem-oriented rather than overly broad,</li><li>Grounded in a thorough review of prior research.</li></ul><h2>Timeline</h2><ul><li>Call Opens: June 7, 2026&nbsp;</li><li>Submission Deadline: August 7, 2026&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Funding</h2>The foundation will provide support of up to 1.5 times the amount of standard research grants, with a maximum funding level of approximately 375 million Iranian tomans.Final funding decisions will depend on factors such as:<ul><li>Originality of the topic,</li><li>Limited prior research,</li><li>Number of collaborators,</li><li>Diversity of outputs,</li><li>Scope of commitments and deliverables.</li></ul><h2>Application Process</h2>Researchers must apply through the foundation’s Kayper online system (https://rtms.insf.org/ ) . Applicants who do not already have a profile must first register and then log in using their email address and assigned password.After logging in, applicants can select the special call “Religious Sciences and Knowledge: AI Studies” from the “Submit New Proposal” section and upload their research proposal.Questions regarding submission procedures, eligibility, or scientific content may be submitted through the ticketing system within the applicant’s Kayper profile to the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts Program Working Group.&nbsp;<a href="https://rtms.insf.org/">https://rtms.insf.org/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Faculty members can apply for a special research grant “Religious Sciences and Knowledge: Islamic Theoretical Studies on Artificial Intelligence”

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Call for Proposals For Research Grant in Religious Studies: Islamic Theoretical Studies on Artificial Intelligence

Iran’s Vice President for Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy emphasized the need to bring technology into the everyday lives of citizens and proposed five priority areas: AI-powered technology monitoring, intellectual property reform, technology-enabled spiritual well-being, transformation of science diplomacy, and addressing “technology poverty.” He also called for concentrating on practical projects with measurable outcomes to help solve national challenges.&nbsp;According to ISNA, during a joint meeting with Ali Akbar Rashad, President of the Islamic Culture and Thought Research Institute, Vice President Hossein Afshin stressed the importance of integrating technology into cultural and Islamic thought institutions. He stated that the participation of research centers focused on culture and Islamic thought in science and technology is highly valuable. According to Afshin, the difference between Iran and many other countries is that technology in those countries has become part of everyday life, whereas in Iran it remains largely confined to elites. He argued that technology cannot achieve genuine and sustainable growth until it reaches the broader public. Afshin also proposed defining a limited number of clear priorities rather than pursuing numerous large and scattered projects.<h3>1. Technology Monitoring Through Artificial Intelligence</h3>One of the key priorities, he said, is the creation of an intelligent science and technology monitoring system powered by AI. Afshin noted that the country’s main challenge today is not programming languages but data collection and organization. He emphasized that gathering and structuring both domestic and international data should be a major national priority and should be continuously pursued.<h3>2. Turning Intellectual Property into National Wealth</h3>Afshin highlighted the need to reform intellectual property (IP) policies, noting that the issue has also been discussed within the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution. He said policymakers should assess whether legal reforms are necessary and, if so, use the capacities of the Iranian Parliament and the council to implement them.According to Afshin, intellectual property should be viewed as a national asset and source of wealth. Without appropriate management and regulatory mechanisms, however, it could become a liability. Referring to challenges in patent registration and intellectual property systems, he argued that some patents have become merely a means of obtaining academic benefits or trading research credits, rather than creating economic value. The goal, he said, should be to transform intellectual property into tangible wealth and economic growth. He encouraged the research institute to pursue intellectual property reform as a joint project with his office, emphasizing that its benefits would extend across generations.<h3>3. New Technologies for Spiritual Well-Being</h3>Afshin also discussed spiritual health, arguing that health should not be limited to physical well-being. He said psychological and spiritual well-being are equally important and that emerging technologies could be used to develop innovative solutions in this area. He described the field as one with significant potential for research and practical applications.<h3>4. Transforming Scientific and Technological Diplomacy</h3>Another priority highlighted by Afshin was the modernization of Iran’s international scientific and technological relations. He argued that the post-war global environment will require stronger and more effective international engagement. In many cases, he said, international cooperation has been pursued without sufficient cultural preparation within society, making a new approach necessary.<h3>5. Tackling “Technology Poverty”</h3>Afshin introduced the concept of “technology poverty” as a major emerging challenge. He explained that while economic inequality between nations was once the primary concern, technological inequality is now becoming an even greater threat. According to him, the widening technology gap could prove more dangerous than the wealth gap itself. To reduce this divide, he proposed making technology more affordable and expanding collaborative technological partnerships between countries.<h3>Moving Toward Implementation</h3>In his concluding remarks, Afshin stressed the importance of holding regular joint meetings with organizations responsible for international scientific and technological cooperation, as well as various departments within the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology. The goal, he said, is to ensure that these proposals are translated into concrete actions and measurable results for the country.&nbsp; https://www.isna.ir/news/1405031709499/نسخه-افشین-برای-آینده-فناوری-ایران-تمرکز-بر-۵-موضوع-کلیدی

Iran’s Vice President emphasis for concentrating on practical projects with measurable outcomes to help solve national challenges.