H.R. 7380, the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act

Bottom Line Up Front

H.R. 7380, the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act, strengthens U.S. efforts to promote internet freedom and access to information for Iranian civilians facing severe repression from the authoritarian regime in Tehran. The bill requires the Secretary of State to implement and regularly update a comprehensive strategy to expand internet access in Iran, coordinates federal agency efforts, ensures sanctions don’t unintentionally block communication tools, mandates that new satellite and direct-to-cell licenses cover Iran, establishes cybersecurity training programs for Iranian civil society, and authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to support these critical initiatives.

Click here to read the full legislative text and view the list of cosponsors.

Why It Matters

• Iran has the third-worst internet freedom score in the world, according to Freedom House. The regime routinely weaponizes internet shutdowns, censorship, and surveillance to silence dissent, isolate citizens during periods of unrest, and prevent peaceful organizing. When tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in December 2025, the regime’s response was a nationwide internet blackout, cutting off the Iranian people from each other and from the world at the moment they needed connection most.
• Access to open internet is not a luxury. It is a lifeline for those living under repression. Virtual private networks, satellite internet, direct-to-cell technology, and encrypted messaging allow Iranian civilians, journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors to communicate, share information, access unbiased news, and organize peacefully despite the regime’s brutal attempts to maintain control through digital isolation.
• The IRAN Act mandates that the U.S. government implement and regularly update its comprehensive strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran, ensuring our approach evolves as the regime’s tactics change. The legislation explicitly requires coordination with Treasury and Commerce to ensure U.S. sanctions don’t unintentionally block companies from providing essential communication tools to Iranian civilians, closing a critical gap that has hindered access to freedom-enabling technology.
• By requiring new satellite and direct-to-cell licenses to maintain coverage over Iran, establishing cybersecurity training programs for Iranian civil society, and authorizing $15 million annually to expand access to secure VPN services and digital safety tools, this legislation provides concrete resources and policy direction to ensure the Iranian people can circumvent the regime’s censorship and stay connected during the moments that matter most.

Congressional Press Releases

Read statements from members of Congress who are supporting this legislation:

• → Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
• → Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY)