Mostafa Mirsalim claims Israel “supports VPNs” and warns public against using Western platforms
Mostafa Mirsalim, a prominent member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, has called for urgent implementation of a nationwide information control system and the banning of foreign digital communications platforms.
Speaking at a policy forum, Mirsalim stated: “The government’s main plan is to launch a national information network, which unfortunately has been delayed.” He continued: “Israel supports VPNs, and there should be no doubt about the treachery of foreign messengers and the necessity of blocking them.”
He accused messaging platforms of selling user data to hostile powers, claiming: “Foreign messengers sell their extensive information to Israel. The people themselves should not use these messengers and filter breakers.”
His comments come amid an intensifying crackdown on digital freedoms in Iran. Since the start of the 12-day war with Israel, the regime has tightened control over the internet, blocking popular services like WhatsApp and Instagram and introducing sweeping censorship laws. The launch of a domestic internet infrastructure is part of the regime’s long-term plan to isolate Iranian users from global digital platforms and reinforce control over information.
