OSINT-for-countries/OSINT_in_Iran

# OSINT in Iran: Legal Information Search and Open Sources Exploring OSINT in Iran requires careful navigation of publicly accessible registries, official portals, and open data resources that reflect the country's distinct administrative and digital environment. Analysts and researchers rely on these lawful channels to conduct structured information gathering while respecting local regulations and privacy boundaries.  Help make this guide better! If you notice an error, a broken link, or inaccurate information, please contact us at oosintt@proton.me To advertise in the guide, please contact us at oosintt@proton.me ## Table of contents ## Basic OSINT Profile of Iran * ⬛ Official name * **Local**: جمهوری اسلامی ایران (Jomhuri-ye Eslāmi-ye Irān) * **Short**: ایران (Iran) * **International**: Islamic Republic of Iran / Iran * ⬛ ISO codes * **ISO 3166-1 alpha-2**: IR * **ISO 3166-1 alpha-3**: IRN * **ISO 3166-1 numeric**: 364 * ⬛ Telephone code * **Country calling code**: +98 * ⬛ National currency * **Name**: Iranian rial * **ISO 4217 code**: IRR * **Symbol**: ﷼ * **Minor unit**: dinar (1/100 rial) * ⬛ Primary and secondary languages * **Primary official language**: Persian (Farsi) * **Secondary / minority languages**: Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Gilaki, Mazandarani, Luri, Arabic, and Balochi are spoken by significant regional populations. * ⬛ Time zones * **Time-zone span**: UTC+3:30 only (single national time zone) * **Main zone**: Iran Standard Time (IRST), UTC+3:30; daylight saving time is not currently observed. * ⬛ Date format * **Main official / everyday numeric**: DD/MM/YYYY * **Alternative (legal / technical / database)**: YYYY-MM-DD * **Textual form**: 17 March 2026 or Persian calendar equivalents such as 26 Esfand 1404 * ⬛ Domain zones * **Primary**: .ir * **National**: None in common official use beyond .ir * **Government / state**: .gov.ir * **Educational**: .ac.ir * **Other commonly used second-level spaces**: .co.ir, .org.ir, .net.ir, .sch.ir, .k12.ir Such foundational details streamline subsequent verification steps and reduce ambiguity when cross-referencing Iranian open sources. ## Documents and Citizen Identifiers in Iran Documents and citizen identifiers in Iran encompass a range of official records whose structures and issuance patterns provide reliable anchors for OSINT activities. Understanding their formats supports accurate matching against public registries and open databases. * ⬛ Passport — international travel document proving Iranian citizenship and identity outside the country. * **Current biometric passport**: * Passport number: * Format: ********* (9 digits) * Example: 123456789 * **Older non-biometric passport**: * Passport number: * Format: ********* (9 digits) * Example: 987654321 * ⬛ ID card — primary domestic identity document for citizens (smart national ID card). * **Current smart national ID card**: * Card number / National Code: * Format: ********** (10 digits) * Example: 1234567890 * **Older national ID card**: * Card number / National Code: * Format: ********** (10 digits) * Example: 9876543210 * ⬛ Driver's licence — document confirming the right to drive motor vehicles. * **Current plastic card series**: * Licence number: * Format: ********** (10 digits) * Example: 1234567890 * **Older paper/plastic series**: * Licence number: * Format: ********** (10 digits) * Example: 9876543210 * ⬛ Taxpayer Identification Number — used for tax administration (for both individuals and legal entities). * **Individuals and legal entities**: * TIN / National Code: * Format: ********** (10 digits) * Example: 1234567890 * ⬛ National Code — primary personal identifier used for social security, insurance and civil registry purposes. * **Current format**: * National Code: * Format: ********** (10 digits) * Example: 1234567890 * ⬛ Biometric Identifiers — captured and stored in document chips. * **National ID card chip**: * Fingerprints and photo: stored as digital templates (binary data, not human-readable string) * **Biometric passport chip**: * Portrait image and fingerprints: stored as digital templates (binary data, not human-readable string) * ⬛ Military service booklet — document recording military service status. * **Current format**: * Booklet number: * Format: ********** (10 digits) * Example: 1234567890 These identifiers remain central to lawful verification workflows across multiple Iranian information domains. ## Telecommunications and Connectivity in Iran Telecommunications and connectivity in Iran feature specific numbering conventions, operator landscapes, and registration practices that shape how contact data appears in open sources. Analysts examine these patterns to trace publicly listed connections within legal boundaries. * ⬛ Mobile Number Format * **Number length (including country code)**: 12 digits * **National format**: 09\*\*\-\*\*\*\-\*\*\*\* * **International format**: +98-9\*\*\-\*\*\*\-\*\*\*\* * **Other features**: Country code (2 digits) + mobile indicator 9 (1 digit) + 9-digit subscriber number; leading zero is omitted in international format * ⬛ Major Mobile Operators * **MCI (Hamrah-e Aval)**: mobile GSM codes - 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919 * **Irancell**: mobile GSM codes - 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939 * **Rightel**: mobile GSM codes - 920, 921, 922 * ⬛ Virtual Operators (MVNOs) * **Shatel Mobile**: operates on Irancell network; mobile GSM codes - 930-939 range (shared) * **Samantel**: operates on Irancell network; mobile GSM codes - 930-939 range (shared) * ⬛ eSIM Availability * **eSIM support status**: Available from major operators MCI, Irancell and Rightel * **Activation format**: QR code scan or manual entry via operator app or portal * ⬛ SIM Registration * **General rule**: SIM/eSIM is tied to an identified subscriber (ID-based registration), not anonymous retail issuance * **Local citizens**: National ID card (Iranian smart national card) * **Foreign citizens**: Valid passport plus visa or residence permit (requirements may vary slightly by operator) * ⬛ Popular Email Services * **Google (Gmail)**: @gmail.com * **Microsoft (Outlook/Hotmail)**: @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com * **Yahoo**: @yahoo.com * **Proton Mail**: @proton.me, @protonmail.com * **Yandex**: @yandex.com, @yandex.ru * **Mail.ru**: @mail.ru, @bk.ru, @inbox.ru, @list.ru This overview clarifies the technical context needed for effective open-source communication research in the country. ## Social Media and Messaging Platforms in Iran Social media and messaging platforms in Iran present a distinctive mix of international and localized services whose usage patterns inform targeted OSINT collection. Researchers assess availability and visibility of public profiles to map information flows. ### Social Networks in Iran Social networks in Iran include both widely adopted international services and domestically prominent platforms that host substantial public content. Their scale and thematic focus offer varied entry points for structured information gathering. #### Main Social Networks * ⬛ [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/) * **Description**: Photo and short-form video platform with profiles, posts, Reels, stories, and hashtags. * **Popularity**: Very high; one of the most widely used platforms for personal and public content sharing. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium–high — public profiles and hashtags allow effective discovery of posts and connections; private accounts limit depth. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2025); subject to periodic throttling and temporary disruptions. * ⬛ [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/) * **Description**: Video-sharing platform with channels, comments, subscriptions, and live streams. * **Popularity**: High; widely used for long-form and educational content despite access challenges. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: High — robust search by channel, video title, and comments; public content is indexable. * **Restrictions**: Subject to filtering and slowdowns; full access often requires circumvention tools. * ⬛ [X](https://x.com/) * **Description**: Microblogging platform focused on real-time posts, trends, and public discourse. * **Popularity**: Medium; used by journalists, activists, and commentators for public discussion. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: High — public posts and usernames are searchable; trends and mentions provide strong context. * **Restrictions**: Currently filtered at the national level. #### Regional Social Networks * ⬛ [Aparat](https://www.aparat.com/) * **Description**: Iranian video-sharing platform serving as a domestic alternative for user-generated video content. * **Popularity**: High within the country; primary local video platform. * **Locality**: Yes — Iranian platform with primary usage inside the country. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium — searchable by video, channel, and tags; public content is accessible. * **Restrictions**: Fully accessible without nationwide blocking. #### Major Specialized Social Networks * ⬛ [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/) * **Description**: Professional networking platform with profiles, employment history, and business connections. * **Popularity**: Medium; used by professionals and companies for career-related networking. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium — many profiles are public and structured, though full details often require login. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2025); occasional throttling reported. These networks therefore constitute essential layers within Iran's broader open-source ecosystem. ### Messaging Apps in Iran Messaging apps in Iran range from globally recognized tools to regionally significant alternatives that facilitate public and semi-public exchanges. Their adoption trends influence how analysts locate and interpret openly shared data. #### Main Messaging Apps * ⬛ [Telegram](https://telegram.org/) * **Description**: Cloud-based messaging platform with private chats, groups, channels, and bots. * **Popularity**: Very high; dominant messaging and information-sharing app across the population. * **Locality**: No — global platform with strong regional adoption. * **Ease of information discovery**: High — public channels, usernames, and groups provide extensive open data. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2025); subject to periodic throttling. * ⬛ [WhatsApp](https://www.whatsapp.com/) * **Description**: Mobile messaging and calling app based on phone-number identity. * **Popularity**: High; widely used for personal and family communication. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: Low — primarily private communications with limited public surface. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2025); occasional disruptions reported. #### Regional Messaging Apps * ⬛ [Bale](https://bale.ai/) * **Description**: Iranian messaging app with chats, channels, and payment features. * **Popularity**: Medium; growing domestic alternative with official and commercial adoption. * **Locality**: Yes — Iranian platform used primarily inside the country. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium — public channels exist; much activity remains account-based. * **Restrictions**: Fully accessible without nationwide blocking. * ⬛ [Soroush](https://soroush.app/) * **Description**: Iranian messaging platform with chat, channel, and service integration features. * **Popularity**: Medium; used as a local alternative for messaging and content distribution. * **Locality**: Yes — Iranian platform with primary usage inside the country. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium — public channels and profiles are searchable. * **Restrictions**: Fully accessible without nationwide blocking. Such applications extend the reach of lawful OSINT inquiries into everyday Iranian digital interactions. ## Search Engines and Local Internet in Iran Search engines and local internet resources in Iran combine major global tools with specialized domestic portals that index region-specific content. These platforms enable refined queries aligned with Iranian language and topic priorities. ### Main Search Engines * ⬛ [Google](https://www.google.com/) * **Description**: The leading global search engine providing web, image, news, video and map results with multilingual support. * **Popularity**: Dominant across Iran. * **Locality**: Global; used extensively inside Iran despite access limitations. * **Ease of information discovery**: High for general and English-language sources; reduced effectiveness for locally filtered topics. * **Restrictions**: Results subject to national filtering and blocking of selected domains. * ⬛ [Bing](https://www.bing.com/) * **Description**: Microsoft’s web search engine with integrated image, video and news results. * **Popularity**: Low but measurable usage. * **Locality**: Global; not localized for Iran. * **Ease of information discovery**: Moderate for Western and English content; limited coverage of Persian-language sources. * **Restrictions**: Accessible with standard global filtering applied. ### Alternative Search Engines * ⬛ [DuckDuckGo](https://duckduckgo.com/) * **Description**: Privacy-focused aggregator drawing from multiple indexes without user tracking. * **Popularity**: Very low. * **Locality**: Global; no Persian interface or local indexing. * **Ease of information discovery**: Moderate for unbiased general searches; weak on Persian or Iran-specific content. * **Restrictions**: Fully accessible; no local censorship applied by the service. * ⬛ [Parsijoo](https://parsijoo.ir/) * **Description**: Iranian-developed search engine focused on Persian-language web content. * **Popularity**: Low. * **Locality**: Local; designed and hosted for Iranian users. * **Ease of information discovery**: Moderate for Persian websites and official Iranian sources. * **Restrictions**: Operates under national regulations; content aligned with domestic policies. ### Map Search * ⬛ [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/) * **Description**: Global mapping service offering satellite imagery, street-level views, business listings and routing. * **Popularity**: High among users with VPN access. * **Locality**: Global; covers Iranian territory with variable detail. * **Ease of information discovery**: High for geolocation and infrastructure research when accessible. * **Restrictions**: Service and imagery subject to national blocking; full functionality often requires circumvention tools. * ⬛ [Neshan](https://neshanmap.ir/) * **Description**: Iranian mapping platform providing navigation, traffic data and points of interest. * **Popularity**: High within Iran. * **Locality**: Local; developed and maintained for the Iranian market. * **Ease of information discovery**: High for addresses, local businesses and urban navigation inside the country. * **Restrictions**: Fully accessible domestically; data reflects national mapping policies. ### Local-specific search * ⬛ Specific search and tools * [Iranian National Library and Archives](https://www.nlai.ir/) – Official catalogue for books, periodicals and archival records; useful for bibliographic and historical verification. * [.ir ccTLD WHOIS](https://whois.nic.ir/) – Official registry lookup for .ir domains; supports attribution of Iranian internet resources. * [Iran Data Portal](https://irandataportal.syr.edu/) – Aggregated collection of publicly released Iranian statistics and datasets; supports socio-economic and demographic research. * [Official Gazette](https://www.rrk.ir/) – Searchable archive of laws, regulations and government announcements; essential for legal and regulatory OSINT. Their combined use enhances the depth and relevance of open information retrieval within the country. ## Government and Semi-Official Online Services in Iran * ⬛ Services for checking companies and entrepreneurs * **[State Organization for Registration of Deeds and Properties – Company Registry](https://irsherkat.ssaa.ir/)** – Official public database of registered legal entities and branches; searchable by company name, registration number or national ID. * **[Iran Trade Promotion Organization – Exporters and Importers Registry](https://www.tpo.ir/)** – Registry of licensed trading companies with status and activity details. * ⬛ Services for court decisions and trial results * **[Judiciary Electronic Services Portal](https://www.adliran.ir/)** – Public access to case status, hearing schedules and selected rulings from courts of general jurisdiction. * **[Supreme Court of Iran – Published Judgments](https://www.divan-edalat.ir/)** – Selected final decisions and legal precedents published by the Supreme Court. * ⬛ Real Estate and Cadastral registers * **[State Organization for Registration of Deeds and Properties – Property Registry](https://www.ssaa.ir/)** – Official land and property registration information; limited public search by cadastral or ownership data. * **[National Cartographic Center – Cadastral Map Portal](https://www.ncc.gov.ir/)** – Public cadastral maps and parcel information for selected regions. * ⬛ Services for checking driver’s licenses and driver’s licenses verification * **[Traffic Police (NAJA) – Vehicle and License Inquiry](https://www.rahvar120.ir/)** – Limited public verification of vehicle registration status and basic license validity (third-party checks restricted). * ⬛ Services for checking tax status * **[Iranian National Tax Administration – Taxpayer Services](https://www.intamedia.ir/)** – Public portal for verifying tax registration status and certain compliance indicators of legal entities. * ⬛ Public lists of licenses and certificates * **[Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade – Industrial Licenses Portal](https://www.mimt.gov.ir/)** – Registry of issued industrial and mining licenses with validity status. * **[Iran National Standards Organization – Certified Products and Companies](https://www.inso.gov.ir/)** – Public list of certified products, laboratories and conformity assessment bodies. * ⬛ Services for checking public officials and government data registers * **No comprehensive public database** exists for querying assets or personal data of government officials; limited biographical information is published on individual ministry or parliamentary websites. * ⬛ Portals of open data and datasets in various directions * **[Iran Open Data Portal](https://data.gov.ir/)** – Central government repository of statistical and administrative datasets across multiple sectors. * **[Statistical Center of Iran](https://www.amar.org.ir/)** – Official national statistics on population, economy, trade and social indicators. * ⬛ Other key information verification services * **[Central Bank of Iran – Sanctioned Entities List](https://www.cbi.ir/)** – Official list of entities subject to financial restrictions. * **[Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Travel Advisories and Registry](https://www.mfa.gov.ir/)** – Public notices and limited entity-related information relevant to international OSINT. Such resources form the backbone of compliant, evidence-based research on Iranian entities and activities. ## Geography and Addressing System in Iran Geography and addressing systems in Iran reflect administrative divisions and naming conventions that affect how location data is recorded and retrieved. Analysts apply these structures to geolocate information from open sources accurately. * ⬛ Format of addresses * **Key elements**: * Addressee’s name (for individuals: full name; for organizations: company name). * Province (استان / ostan). * City (شهر / shahr) or town. * Street (خیابان / khiaban) or alley (کوچه / kucheh), building number (پلاک / pelak). * Unit or apartment number (واحد / vahed). * Postal code (کد پستی). * **Examples**: * Example 1 - علی رضایی، استان تهران، تهران، خیابان ولیعصر، پلاک ۱۲۳، واحد ۴۵، ۱۹۱۷۶۳۵۴۱۲. * Example 2 - شرکت نمونه، استان اصفهان، اصفهان، خیابان چهارباغ، پلاک ۵۶، ۸۱۴۵۶۳۲۱۷۸. * ⬛ Postal codes * **Length**: Ten digits total - **********. * **Key elements**: * First five digits identify the province and major city or distribution zone. * Second five digits identify the specific post office or delivery sector. * **Examples**: * 11369-43561 - central Tehran. * 81456-32178 - central Isfahan. * 91775-34126 - Mashhad district. * ⬛ Administrative division * **Level formats**: * Country → Province (استان) → County (شهرستان) → District (بخش) → City (شهر) or Village (ده). * **Main levels**: * 31 provinces (استان‌ها), e.g. استان تهران. * 429 counties (شهرستان‌ها), e.g. شهرستان اصفهان. * Districts (بخش‌ها) within counties. * Cities (شهرها) and villages (ده‌ها). * ⬛ Street and district naming conventions * **Common street types**: * Type 1 - خیابان (khiaban - street, abbr. often omitted or written in full). * Type 2 - کوچه (kucheh - alley). * Type 3 - بلوار (bolvar - boulevard). * Type 4 - میدان (meydan - square). * Type 5 - پلاک (pelak - building/plaque number). * **Examples**: * Example 1 - خیابان ولیعصر، پلاک ۱۲۳. * Example 2 - کوچه ۱۲، پلاک ۴۵. * Example 3 - بلوار کشاورز، پلاک ۷۸. * ⬛ Alphabet usage * Official addresses and domestic mail use Persian script (Farsi) exclusively. * Latin script is used only for international mail (romanization) or on some signage at airports and major stations. * All official registries and postal documents are written in Persian. This framework supports precise spatial analysis within Iran's diverse regional context. ## Business and Economy of Iran Business and economy of Iran involve ownership structures and public disclosure practices that generate searchable records on commercial entities. These elements allow researchers to trace openly available economic information. * ⬛ Forms of ownership and business * **Sole Proprietorship (کسب‌وکار فردی)** – A one-person business operated by an individual without forming a separate legal entity; the owner bears unlimited personal liability. * **Limited Liability Company (شرکت با مسئولیت محدود)** – The most common corporate form; formed by two or more persons whose liability is limited to their capital contributions. * **Private Joint-Stock Company (شرکت سهامی خاص)** – A non-public share company where capital is divided into registered shares; shareholders’ liability is limited to the value of their shares. * **Public Joint-Stock Company (شرکت سهامی عام)** – A publicly offered share company whose shares may be traded on the stock exchange; subject to additional disclosure requirements. * **Cooperative Company (شرکت تعاونی)** – A member-owned entity formed for mutual economic benefit, typically in agriculture, housing or consumer sectors. * **State-Owned and Public Legal Entities** – Government-controlled enterprises and organizations that manage state assets without private ownership rights over fixed property. * **Non-Commercial Organizations** – Foundations, associations and similar entities that pursue social, cultural or charitable objectives without profit distribution to founders. * ⬛ How business is registered * Commercial entities are registered through the Companies Registration Office (اداره ثبت شرکت‌ها) under the State Organization for Registration of Deeds and Properties, with tax registration handled by the Iranian National Tax Administration. * Online submission is available via the national companies portal; in-person filing is also accepted at provincial registration offices. * Required documents for a Limited Liability Company typically include the articles of association, founders’ identification, proof of registered address, minimum capital deposit confirmation and application forms. * For a Private Joint-Stock Company, additional steps include notarized share subscription and appointment of the first board of directors. * Economic activities are classified according to the national ISIC-based coding system; certain regulated sectors require prior approvals from specialized authorities. * ⬛ What is published publicly * The official companies register provides the full legal name, registration number, legal form, date of incorporation and current status (active, dissolved, etc.). * Publicly visible data include the registered address, names of directors and managing partners, and the amount of declared capital. * Principal and secondary activity codes, as well as any recorded changes to registration details, are accessible through the public search interface. * Information on licences, bankruptcy proceedings or liquidation notices is published in the Official Gazette when applicable. * ⬛ Availability of financial reports * Private companies file annual financial statements only with tax and statistical authorities; these documents are not released to the public. * Public Joint-Stock Companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange must publish audited financial statements through the Securities and Exchange Organization disclosure system. * Banks, insurance firms and other regulated entities publish selected financial data on their own websites or via supervisory authority portals. * No centralized public database exists for the financial statements of non-listed commercial entities. The resulting transparency aids lawful examination of Iranian market participants. ## Media and News in Iran Media and news in Iran encompass state-affiliated outlets alongside regional publications whose archives preserve extensive open content. Language diversity and archival practices shape the scope of accessible reporting. * ⬛ Key Media * [IRNA](https://www.irna.ir/) – Official state news agency providing round-the-clock domestic and international coverage in Persian and other languages. * [Fars News Agency](https://www.farsnews.ir/) – Semi-official agency affiliated with security institutions, focusing on political, security and regional developments. * [Tasnim News Agency](https://www.tasnimnews.com/) – State-linked outlet specialising in political, military and economic reporting. * [Mehr News Agency](https://www.mehrnews.com/) – Government-affiliated agency covering general news, international affairs and official statements. * [Press TV](https://www.presstv.ir/) – State-run English-language international broadcaster and news portal. * ⬛ Regional Portals * Regional coverage in Iran is almost entirely handled by national state agencies or provincial branches of official media; independent regional portals are absent or blocked. * ⬛ News Archives * [Wayback Machine](https://archive.org/web/) – Preserves historical snapshots of Iranian news websites and portals. * [National Library and Archives of Iran](https://www.nlai.ir/) – Maintains collections of historical newspapers and official publications. * ⬛ Publication Languages * **Main language**: Persian (Farsi) – Used by virtually all domestic outlets and official agencies. * **Other languages**: English editions are produced by state media (IRNA, Press TV, Tasnim) for international audiences; Arabic services exist for regional outreach; limited content appears in other languages. * ⬛ Censorship and Press Freedom * **Repression level**: Iran ranks 176th out of 180 in RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index, indicating a very serious situation with pervasive state control. * **Legislation**: Strict laws on “propaganda against the state”, “spreading falsehoods” and internet crimes enable widespread blocking, licensing requirements and criminal prosecution of journalists. * **Media controls**: Independent and foreign-funded outlets are routinely blocked or declared illegal; many journalists operate in exile or under heavy self-censorship. * **Internet controls**: Authorities routinely throttle or block critical websites and social platforms; VPN usage is widespread but also restricted. These sources supply valuable context for longitudinal OSINT studies focused on the country. ## Major Local Data Platforms in Iran Major local data platforms in Iran host marketplaces, review services, and employment portals that aggregate user-generated public information. Their thematic coverage supports targeted collection across commercial and social domains. These platforms therefore broaden the spectrum of lawful open data available to analysts. ## Archival Data in Iran Archival data in Iran includes digitized historical registers and preserved web content that extend the temporal reach of information searches. Such resources enable reconstruction of past records through legal channels. * ⬛ Website archives * [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org) – Global web archive providing historical snapshots of Iranian websites and domains. * [archive.today](https://archive.ph) – On-demand web archiving service capturing current and past versions of Iranian webpages. * [Library of Congress Web Archives](https://www.loc.gov/websites/) – Archived collections of Iranian government and institutional websites. * ⬛ Historical data registries * [Statistical Center of Iran – Historical Census Publications](https://www.amar.org.ir) – Official historical population census results and demographic datasets. * [National Library and Archives of Iran – Historical Newspapers](https://www.nlai.ir) – Digitized collections of Iranian newspapers and periodicals from the late 19th century onward. * ⬛ Government digital archives * [National Library and Archives of Iran](https://www.nlai.ir) – Central portal providing access to descriptions of national archival fonds and selected digitized documents. * [Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc)](https://irandoc.ac.ir) – Repository of theses, research reports, and government-related scientific documents. * [Astan Quds Razavi Digital Library](https://digital.aqr.ir) – Large collection of historical manuscripts, rare books, and archival materials from Iranian heritage institutions. They add historical depth to contemporary OSINT efforts concerning Iran. ## Cultural and Behavioral Characteristics of Iran Cultural and behavioral characteristics of Iran influence how individuals and organizations present information in open digital spaces. Recognizing these patterns helps analysts interpret context without overstepping legal limits. * ⬛ Noticeable Behavioral Differences * **Indirect and context-sensitive communication**: Individuals frequently employ metaphors, proverbs, and diplomatic phrasing to convey opinions, particularly on sensitive topics, to avoid direct confrontation or potential repercussions ([Source](https://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/iran-guide)). * **High caution in public and digital expression**: Widespread awareness of monitoring leads to restrained sharing of personal or political information on open platforms, with preference for encrypted or private channels ([Source](https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/iran)). * **Relationship-first interaction patterns**: Initial contacts emphasize extended rapport-building, hospitality rituals, and personal trust before substantive information exchange occurs ([Source](https://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iran.html)). * **Strong deference to hierarchy and elders**: Subordinates and younger individuals typically avoid direct contradiction of authority figures in professional or formal settings ([Source](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042815051893)). * ⬛ Key Cultural Characteristics * **Collectivist family-centric networks**: Extended family and trusted personal circles serve as primary channels for information verification and dissemination rather than institutional sources ([Source](https://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iran.html)). * **Persian-language digital ecosystem with circumvention tools**: Primary communication occurs in Persian via platforms such as Telegram and Instagram, often combined with routine VPN usage to access restricted content ([Source](https://www.arabbarometer.org/wp-content/uploads/Iran_Report_2022.pdf)). * **Religious and calendrical influences on behavior**: Shia Islamic practices and the Persian solar calendar shape daily routines, public holidays, and periods of reduced online activity ([Source](https://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/iran-guide)). * **Bilingual professional and diaspora communication**: While Persian dominates domestic interactions, English is commonly used in academic, technical, and international contexts, especially among educated urban populations ([Source](https://www.ethnologue.com/country/IR)). This awareness refines the accuracy of culturally attuned research in Iranian open sources. ## Religious Characteristics of Iran Religious characteristics of Iran shape public discourse and institutional affiliations visible in open records and media. These factors provide additional lenses for contextualizing lawfully collected information. * ⬛ Religious characteristics * **Official state religion of Twelver Shia Islam**: The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Article 12) designates Twelver Ja'afari Shia Islam as the official religion, requiring the Supreme Leader to be a Shia cleric and establishing Shia jurisprudence as the basis for legislation. ([Source](https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989?lang=en), [Source](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/)) * **Predominant Shia Muslim population**: Approximately 90–95% of the population identifies as Shia Muslim, primarily Twelver, making Iran the country with the largest Shia majority worldwide. ([Source](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/), [Source](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2009/10/07/mapping-the-global-muslim-population/)) * **Recognized religious minorities with limited rights**: The Constitution (Article 13) officially recognizes Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians as protected minorities permitted to practice their faith and maintain limited personal-status courts, while Baha'is and other unrecognized groups face legal restrictions. ([Source](https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom-iran/), [Source](https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989?lang=en)) * **Integration of religion and state institutions**: Religious authorities hold formal positions in governance, including oversight by the Guardian Council and the requirement that all legislation conform to Islamic criteria as interpreted by Shia clerics. ([Source](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/), [Source](https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom-iran/)) * **Sunni Muslim minority communities**: Sunni Muslims constitute an estimated 5–10% of the population, concentrated primarily among Baloch, Kurdish, and Turkmen communities in border provinces. ([Source](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/), [Source](https://minorityrights.org/country/iran/)) * **Low public observance of non-Shia practices**: Public expression of non-Shia or non-recognized religious activities is restricted by law, with official statistics and international monitoring indicating limited space for open practice outside recognized communities. ([Source](https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom-iran/)) They contribute to a more nuanced understanding of Iranian open-source environments. ## Limitations and Legal Framework in Iran Limitations and legal framework in Iran define the boundaries of permissible data collection from public sources and the consequences of exceeding them. Clear comprehension of these rules protects researchers operating within the country’s jurisdiction. * ⬛ What is considered personal data * **Law on Electronic Commerce (2004)** – Establishes basic rules for the processing and protection of personal data in electronic transactions and communications. * **Personal data** – Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, including full name, national ID number, date of birth, address, telephone number, email, IP address, and location data. * **Sensitive personal data** – Information concerning racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, political opinions, health status, and private or family life. * **Biometric data** – Physiological or biological characteristics used for identification, such as facial images, fingerprints, or voice recordings. * ⬛ What is allowed to search * **Law on Electronic Commerce (2004) and Access to Information Act (2009)** – Define the legal regime for publicly available information and official open data. * **Public state registers** – Company registration data, court judgments, official gazettes, and license databases published by government portals. * **Open data portals and official publications** – Statistical yearbooks, regulatory announcements, and government transparency platforms. * **Publicly available information** – Data voluntarily disclosed on websites, social media profiles, news articles, and academic publications. * **Media and analytical sources** – Reports from licensed media outlets, research institutions, and international organizations. * **Data accessed in compliance with platform terms** – Information obtained without circumventing access controls or violating service agreements. * ⬛ What is prohibited to search * **Computer Crimes Law (2009)** – Prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems and collection of data without legal basis. * **Islamic Penal Code, Articles 729–731** – Criminalize violation of privacy through illegal collection or dissemination of personal or family information. * **Acquisition or use of leaked databases** – Purchase, distribution, or exploitation of unlawfully obtained personal data sets. * **Special category data processing** – Collection of sensitive personal data without explicit legal authorization or consent. * **Circumvention of access controls** – Use of hacking, social engineering, or technical bypasses to reach restricted information. * ⬛ Liability for abuse * **Computer Crimes Law (2009)** – Provides for fines, imprisonment, or both for unauthorized access to computer data and systems. * **Islamic Penal Code** – Establishes criminal penalties, including fines and custodial sentences, for violations of privacy and unlawful disclosure of personal information. * **Administrative sanctions** – Blocking of websites and restriction of online services by regulatory authorities for data protection violations. * **Civil liability** – Obligation to compensate individuals for material or moral damages resulting from unlawful processing or disclosure of personal data. Adherence to this framework ensures that all OSINT activities remain both effective and compliant. ## Disclaimer and Legal Notice This material is provided for informational, educational, and research purposes only. All information referenced in this document is intended to be collected from publicly available open sources, official registers, public websites, media publications, open data portals, and other legally accessible resources. No personal data should be collected, stored, processed, shared, or published without a valid legal basis, consent, or another lawful justification. Any examples, methods, or references described in this material must be used only within legal and ethical boundaries. The authors and publishers of this document do not provide legal advice and do not accept responsibility for any misuse of the information, tools, links, or methods mentioned. Users act at their own risk and are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information. If any data source, link, or method mentioned in this document becomes restricted, outdated, inaccurate, or legally unavailable, it should not be used. Always verify information through official sources and respect privacy, security, and human rights. [Go back to the catalog of countries](https://github.com/OSINT-for-countries)