AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Science: The IAEA Board referred Iran’s nuclear file to the Security Council for the first time in two decades, citing lack of access to damaged facilities. State media also reports that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is urging faster scientific and nuclear-technology progress. Iranian Research: Researchers report a method that could cut building energy use by more than 35%; a separate nanotechnology-based test can assess bacterial antibiotic susceptibility in four hours. Biodiversity: Scientists described a new thin-toed gecko species in Qom Province, identified through physical traits and DNA and found around old village walls. Cybersecurity: A researcher says an Iranian state-linked hacking group hosted command-and-control infrastructure on a US server.

Energy Efficiency: Iranian researchers have developed a method they say could reduce building energy use by more than 35%. Medical Nanotechnology: A separate Iranian research team reported a nanotechnology-based test that can identify bacterial antibiotic susceptibility in about four hours, potentially speeding treatment decisions. Cybersecurity and Connectivity: Researchers identified an Iranian state-linked threat group using command-and-control infrastructure hosted in the United States. Separately, reports say Tehran has plans to target Persian Gulf undersea cables if fighting resumes, raising concerns about regional internet links.

Energy Research: Iranian researchers report a new method that could cut building energy use by more than 35%. Medical Nanotechnology: A locally developed test can identify bacterial antibiotic susceptibility in four hours, potentially speeding treatment decisions. Cybersecurity: Researchers say an Iranian state-linked group hosted command-and-control infrastructure on US servers, highlighting cross-border risks to digital systems. Internet Infrastructure: Reports say Iran has prepared plans to target Gulf undersea cables if conflict resumes, threatening regional connectivity. Nuclear Technology: Russia and Iran are expanding cooperation, with two additional reactors under construction at Bushehr and broader technology ties raising questions about international monitoring.

Cybersecurity: Researchers at Semperis say the Iran-linked Prince of Persia group used a US-hosted command-and-control server for the first time in at least a decade, changing its infrastructure to make malicious activity harder to spot. Digital Infrastructure: Iranian officials have reportedly drawn up plans to target undersea internet cables in the Gulf if fighting resumes, raising concerns about regional connectivity. Medical Research: Iranian researchers developed a nanotechnology-based test that can identify bacterial antibiotic susceptibility in four hours, potentially speeding treatment decisions. Science Cooperation: Iran says it is ready to share agricultural technologies with Islamic countries, while D-8 and COMSATS have agreed to strengthen science and technology collaboration.

Undersea Internet Links: Iranian officials say Tehran has plans to target cables in the Persian Gulf if the US and Israel launch new attacks, and could delay repairs to prolong outages. The Strait of Hormuz carries less than 1% of international internet capacity, Reuters reports, limiting the likely global impact. Agricultural Technology: Iran’s agricultural research organization says it is ready to share veterinary vaccines, agricultural biotechnology and other technologies with Islamic countries, and to expand joint research. Medical Research: Iranian researchers have developed a nanotechnology-based method to test bacteria’s susceptibility to antibiotics in four hours, potentially speeding treatment decisions. Digital Access: Reports say Iranian users are facing disruptions and reduced direct access to AI chatbots.

Rapid Diagnostics: Iranian researchers report a nanotechnology method that can test bacterial antibiotic susceptibility in four hours, potentially helping clinicians choose treatments sooner. Digital Resilience: Tehran reportedly has plans to target Gulf undersea internet cables if war resumes. The Strait of Hormuz carries less than 1% of international bandwidth, suggesting disruption would be felt most in the region. AI Access: Iranian users are facing disruptions and reduced direct access to AI chatbots. Research & Skills: Iranian students won dozens of medals in recent science Olympiads, while a D-8 and COMSATS agreement aims to deepen science and technology cooperation.

Digital Infrastructure: Tehran says it has plans to target Gulf undersea internet cables if conflict resumes, threatening links used for internet, cloud services and financial transactions. Medical Research: Iranian researchers have developed a nanotechnology-based test that can identify which antibiotics bacteria respond to in about four hours, potentially speeding treatment decisions. Connectivity Costs: Internet packages and mobile calls in Iran have risen by 40%, adding pressure on users and businesses. AI Access: Iranian users have also faced disruptions to AI chatbots and reduced direct access, highlighting barriers to using fast-growing digital tools.

Satellite Internet: Reuters reports that both Biden and Trump administrations asked SpaceX to switch Starlink on or off in different countries, including requests to enable service in Iran after US-Israeli strikes. The case highlights how a private satellite network can influence access to communications. Digital Infrastructure: Iranian officials say Tehran has plans to target Gulf undersea cables if fighting resumes, and to prevent repairs. The threat puts regional internet links at risk, though little international bandwidth passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tech Restrictions: Washington has proposed extending investment curbs to Iran and other countries, targeting sensitive fields such as AI, semiconductors and quantum computing. The rules are not yet in force. Connectivity Costs: Internet and mobile packages in Iran have reportedly risen by 40%, increasing costs for users. Research Ties: Indonesia and Iran are exploring academic exchanges and research cooperation.

Digital Infrastructure: Iranian officials say Tehran has detailed plans to target Gulf undersea internet cables if attacks on Iran resume, and could obstruct repairs to prolong outages. The warning puts vital regional communications links in the spotlight. Connectivity: Internet packages and mobile calls in Iran have risen by 40%, while reports also point to disruptions and reduced direct access to AI chatbots for Iranian users. Cybersecurity: Researchers say Iranian state-linked hackers used a US-based server to target dissidents, highlighting the challenge of tracing cross-border cyber operations. Research & Innovation: Thirteen Iranian researchers were named among the world’s most-cited scientists, and Iranian students won dozens of medals in recent science Olympiads. International Cooperation: Iran and Indonesia are exploring academic exchanges and joint research, while Iran and Kyrgyzstan discussed technology cooperation.

Tech Cooperation: Iran and Kyrgyzstan agreed to build links between technology parks, research institutions and startups, and explore joint innovation projects. Defense Technology: Iran unveiled an underground arsenal of Arash drones and other domestically developed drones, as military officials highlighted the country’s readiness. Research: Iranian scientists have developed a natural-material-based bioink for 3D bioprinting, while 13 Iranian researchers were named among the world’s highly cited scientists. Digital Access: Iranian users are facing disruptions and losing direct access to some AI chatbots.

Defense Technology: Iran released footage of domestically developed combat and suicide drones, as Army chief Amir Hatami said production is expanding in underground facilities. Cybersecurity: A reported Iranian hacking group was found hosting command-and-control infrastructure in the United States, while internet restrictions continue to disrupt access for users in Iran. Research: Thirteen Iranian researchers ranked among the world’s most highly cited scientists for 2026, highlighting the country’s research presence despite ongoing constraints. Biotechnology: Iranian researchers have developed a natural-material-based bioink for 3D bioprinting, a potential step toward new tissue-engineering applications. Regional Science Links: D-8 and COMSATS signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and sustainable development.

Digital Access: Iranian users are facing disruptions and losing direct access to AI chatbots, while threats to undersea cables and Gulf data centres raise concerns about regional internet and AI infrastructure. Science Cooperation: The D-8 and COMSATS signed an agreement to expand science and technology collaboration, including research and development. Biotech Research: Iranian researchers have developed a natural-material bioink for 3D bioprinting, while Mahdi Vaezi is leading Northern Illinois University research into bioplastics. Research and Industry: An Iranian scientist was named among the world’s most-cited researchers, and an Iranian medical technology firm is challenging US brands in fertility equipment. Environmental Risk: Land subsidence is threatening villages and farms in southeast Iran.

Digital Access: Iranian users are facing disruptions and losing direct access to AI chatbots, while threats to undersea internet cables and Gulf data centers raise wider concerns about the security of digital infrastructure. Regional Tech Cooperation: D-8 and COMSATS signed a deal to support joint research, technology transfer and skills-building in areas including cybersecurity, digital transformation and health; Iran belongs to both groups. Research: Thirteen Iranian researchers were named among the world’s highly cited scientists, and Iranian researchers have also developed a natural-material-based bioink for 3D printing. Environmental Risks: Land subsidence is threatening villages and farms in southeast Iran, underscoring the pressure on rural communities and agriculture.

Digital Infrastructure: Iranian threats to cut undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz and target Gulf data centers raise fresh concerns for regional connectivity and AI facilities. Technology Policy: Iran’s new defense minister, a veteran of its missile industry, has pledged to expand domestic technology and military production. Tehran also outlined a two-year plan to deepen cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation members. Research: Thirteen Iranian researchers were named among the world’s highly cited scientists. Recent Iranian research also includes a natural-material bioink for 3D bioprinting and the discovery of a 100-million-year-old volcanic system beneath the country.

Digital Infrastructure: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has threatened undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them potential targets. A strike could disrupt data links used by banks and other services; Iranian officials have also threatened Gulf data centers and AI facilities. Iranian Research: Thirteen Iranian researchers were named among the world’s highly cited scientists, while researchers in Iran have developed a natural-material bioink for 3D printing. AI and Influence: OpenAI says it shut accounts linked to an Iran-related influence campaign that used AI-assisted opinion pieces.

Digital Infrastructure: Reports say Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has threatened seven undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about disruptions to regional communications and digital services. Biotechnology: Iranian researchers have developed a natural-material-based bioink for 3D bioprinting, while a separate Iranian clinical report identifies a previously unreported gene variant linked to a child’s neurodevelopmental condition. Research Recognition: Thirteen Iranian researchers were ranked among the world’s highly cited scientists. Defense Technology: Iran’s parliament approved missile-program veteran Mehrdad Akhlaghi as defense minister; he has pledged to expand the country’s defense technology capabilities.