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New Operating System to Replace Windows in Iran

Feb 9, 2026 February 9, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Iran is planning to replace Windows with a national operating system due to the need to comply with WTO regulations and copyright laws. The Secretary of the Supreme Council of Informatics, Mohammad Sepehri Rad, emphasizes the use of Linux as a potential alternative. This shift is significant as it reflects Iran's efforts to adapt to international trade standards.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Iran's shift to a national operating system marks a significant step towards compliance with international trade norms.

👥 Key Players

Mohammad Sepehri Rad MENTIONED
Secretary of the Supreme Council of Informatics
"He is a key figure in Iran's digital policy and is advocating for a national operating system to comply with international trade standards."
Advanced Information and Communication Technology Center of Sharif University of Technology MENTIONED
Research institution
"They are tasked with conducting the study project for the development of the new operating system."

📰 What Happened

Iran is planning to replace the Windows operating system with a national alternative due to the need for compliance with World Trade Organization regulations. The Secretary of the Supreme Council of Informatics has suggested using Linux as a feasible option.

  • Iran has until 2015 to join the WTO, which requires adherence to copyright laws.
  • The current use of Windows is widespread but not legally protected in Iran.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This initiative reflects Iran's attempt to strengthen its digital sovereignty and comply with international trade agreements.
🌍 Regional: The move could influence other countries in the region facing similar issues with software dependency.
🌐 International: It highlights Iran's challenges in integrating into the global economy and the implications for international software companies.

📚 Background

Iran has historically relied on foreign software, which poses legal and economic challenges as it seeks to join the WTO. Developing a national operating system is seen as a way to address these issues.

Digital sovereignty International trade agreements
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article reflects the official stance of the Iranian government, which may emphasize positive developments while downplaying challenges.

If you are a resident of Iran and own a personal computer, you are likely using the Windows operating system in various versions, installed either by yourself or by someone you know for free. However, the Secretary of the Supreme Council of Informatics of Iran states that if we want to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), the current method of using Windows is definitely not feasible for us. According to a report by the news publication of the Organization of Planning and Budget, Mohammad Sepehri Rad adds that there is no law in Iran to protect foreign software, which is why these software programs are easily distributed for free, and continuing this method in the future is not possible. Experts say that Iran has until 2015 to join the WTO, and one of the mandatory laws of this agreement is copyright law. Sepehri Rad describes the solution to the current situation as the development of a national operating system and adds that since it is not feasible for Iran to develop this system itself, market-source operating systems like Linux can be used. He also points out that the Linux system has been used in countries like Germany, China, and several Latin American countries and has a high security coefficient. The Secretary of the Supreme Council of Informatics mentions experts from the Advanced Information and Communication Technology Center of Sharif University of Technology in Tehran as responsible for conducting the study project to replace the Windows operating system in Iran.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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