H.R. 10832 — IRAN Act

This section states findings that the Government of Iran has repeatedly disrupted internet access, that satellite-based communications, VPN services, and eSIM technology can mitigate shutdowns despite sanctions barriers, and that clarifying U.S. policy would enhance connectivity for Iranians. It expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. policy should promote deployment of direct-to-cell communications, VPN services, eSIM technology, and similar tools while ensuring sanctions and export controls do not unintentionally block Iranian access.

This section expands the comprehensive strategy for promoting internet freedom in Iran to include evaluating virtual private networks, decentralized networks, peer-to-peer technologies, and direct-to-cell satellite tools; working with the Departments of the Treasury and Commerce to enable companies to provide access technology consistent with sanctions and export controls; and assessing the Iranian regime’s capacity to impose internet blackouts while developing circumvention plans. It requires the Secretary of State to submit the first updated strategy within 120 days after enactment and to provide annual updates thereafter that report implementation status and coordination across federal agencies.

This section requires the Federal Communications Commission, when granting licenses, license modifications, or market access for direct-to-cell or other satellite communications on or after enactment, to consider encouraging licensees to refrain from intentionally disabling, degrading, or geoblocking coverage of Iran, except as required by federal law or for temporary network security. It expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should oppose International Telecommunication Union proposals to exclude Iran from such coverage and mandates annual briefings to the appropriate congressional committees for five years on actions taken and any known exclusions.

This section directs the Secretary of State to establish or expand programs within 180 days to deliver cybersecurity training, vetted digital safety tools including VPNs and end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, and multilingual materials warning of regime-controlled applications and phishing to journalists, human rights defenders, and other civil society actors in Iran. It requires program evaluations to be provided to the appropriate congressional committees and an independent assessment by the Comptroller General within three years.

This section authorizes appropriations of $15 million for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to the Secretary of State to carry out sections 4 and 5, including programs that expand access to secure VPN services for individuals in Iran. Amounts remain available until expended.

This section defines "appropriate congressional committees" to include the House and Senate committees on foreign affairs, commerce, intelligence, and appropriations; "ESIM technology" as embedded subscriber identity module technology for remote cellular activation without a physical SIM card; and "VPN services" as encrypted connections that bypass government censorship and surveillance.

This section preserves the President's authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and clarifies that the Act does not authorize any transaction prohibited by U.S. sanctions or export control laws. It also ensures that the Act does not require FCC-licensed satellite communications operators to market, sell, activate, or collect payment for services in Iran or to any U.S. person in violation of those laws.