🔻Deputy Minister of Health of Iran criticizes the so-called “countering foreign influence” plan

The deputy minister of health in Iran has warned about the possible consequences of the so-called “countering foreign influence in the country” plan and said that approving and implementing it would “tighten the link among Iranian researchers under the pressure of scientific sanctions.”

Dr. Shāhīn Ākhundzādeh, speaking to ISNA news agency, said, “A limited number of independent editors are able to provide the possibility of scientific interaction with Iranian researchers. We should not do anything that would cut off even these limited communications.”

Mr. Ākhundzādeh said, “This plan could further limit the communications and interactions between international universities in the country, which have already been brought down to a minimum.”

The “countering the infiltration of intelligence services and foreign governments or institutions in the country” plan, which is being reviewed in Iran’s parliament, sets a prison sentence of six months to two years for cooperation in scientific work with foreign universities, institutes, and organizations that has not been approved by the Ministry of Intelligence.