Iranian officials debate counter-influence legislation and security threats

Iranian political figures have raised concerns regarding domestic legislation and international security threats. Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, criticized the proposed “counter-influence plan,” noting that the government and academic institutions oppose it. He warned that imposing laws that do not align with social norms can create societal polarization and division among officials and the public.

Separately, former commission member Hesmatollah Falahatpisheh addressed threats regarding the use of “Mother of All Bombs.” He criticized the lack of emphasis on the Fourth Geneva Convention in official discourse and state media. Falahatpisheh argued that discussions regarding the destructive radius of such weapons downplay the potential for crimes against humanity and urged for a stronger legal stance to protect civilian rights in the event of conflict.