The Maximum Support Act is a comprehensive proposal to actively back the Iranian people in their push for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It would create an interagency task force to design and implement a broad strategy aimed at preserving and expanding internet freedom inside Iran, countering government censorship, and shielding civilians from regime-controlled digital surveillance. The bill also authorizes the United States to confiscate certain Iranian government assets to fund pro-democracy efforts and imposes a detailed framework to ensure sanctions and other pressure do not unintentionally restrict the Iranian people’s access to digital tools. In addition, the bill would seek to elevate Iran-focused policy through the possible designation of MOIS (Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), establish strategies to encourage defections, and expand cybersecurity and information campaigns for dissidents, journalists, and civil society. In short, the act seeks to fuse diplomacy, economic pressure, information campaigns, and targeted assistance to empower Iranian activists and ordinary citizens online, while providing oversight and safeguards to prevent misuse or misdirection of funds and tools.
Key Points
- 1Establishes an interagency task force within 180 days to support internet freedom and counter censorship in Iran, led by the State Department with Treasury and USAGM involvement, and to produce an unclassified strategy for bypassing regime controls.
- 2Mandates a detailed strategy (including VPNs, enhanced satellite-to-cell connectivity, eSIM distribution, device access, and public awareness) to enable Iranians to access the internet securely and without regime surveillance, while countering regime-driven deception around VPNs and other tools.
- 3Covers a broad set of tools to expand access and resilience online, such as encryption, secure communications, cyber security software, high-risk user training, rapid threat response, and ongoing congressional reporting on effectiveness and threats.
- 4Authorizes confiscation of a portion of the Government of Iran’s assets under U.S. jurisdiction, with proceeds deposited in the U.S. Treasury to fund pro-democracy efforts, humanitarian aid, documentation of rights abuses, and funding for internet freedom initiatives. Includes audits by the U.S. Comptroller and Inspectors General, and provisions to cut off funds if Iran benefits improperly.
- 5Includes a focused strategy to ensure sanctions do not impede Iranian civilians’ access to internet freedom tools, with licensing/waiver processes, clear guidelines for private sector engagement, and ongoing monitoring for misuse.
- 6Calls for a strategy to provide maximum support to Iranians seeking democratic change, including a Special Representative for Maximum Support, diplomatic efforts, intensified economic sanctions on regime sustainers, intelligence support to protect activists, and funding for independent media and information campaigns.
- 7Proposes designating MOIS (Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization if it meets statutory criteria, with a determination due within 90 days and justification if designation occurs.
- 8Features two provisions (SEC. 8 and SEC. 10) that create strategies to encourage defections by Iranian officials and security forces, including secure communication channels, safety assurances, a dedicated interagency group to manage defections, incentives, publicity where appropriate, and coordination with international partners.
- 9Establishes a cybersecurity assistance program for Iranian dissidents, journalists, and civil society, with secure tools, training, rapid support, and Congress reporting.