{
  "id": 3990732,
  "title": "Iran cyber academy expands recruitment despite US sanctions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/iran-cyber-academy-expands-recruitment-despite-us-sanctions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T15:40:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Arabian Post",
    "slug": "arabian-post",
    "url": "https://thearabianpost.com/iran-cyber-academy-expands-recruitment-despite-us-sanctions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tehran's Ravin Academy, a cybersecurity program sanctioned by the United States, is expanding its recruitment efforts for a year-long scholarship program, drawing attention to Iran's growing pool of cyber specialists and their potential ties to state-sponsored hacking activities. The initiative targets individuals aged 17 to 30 and seeks between 600 and 1,200 participants. Named Namavar, the program offers technical training and competitions focused on real or simulated industrial infrastructure, aiming to develop potential cyberattack scenarios. Upon completion, 600 successful applicants will receive scholarships and undergo structured training before entering the professional cybersecurity market. Despite sanctions imposed by the US in 2022, Ravin has continued expanding its operations, an issue that has raised concerns. The academy, co-founded by individuals identified as members of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, offers courses in both defensive and offensive cybersecurity disciplines. The recruitment drive has been scrutinized, as there is no direct evidence linking Ravin to specific cyber intrusions affecting US water utilities this year. However, the scale of the recruitment emphasizes Iran's continued investment in developing domestic cyber expertise, which has become an increasingly important tool in state competition. The proliferation of cyber confrontations between the US and Iran has intensified, with the US accusing Iran of targeting universities, companies, and government organizations through a campaign by the Tehran-based Mabna Institute. Ravin's training model, which incorporates material from major cybersecurity organizations and tech companies, has drawn particular attention due to its combination of commercial and specialized cybersecurity certification programs. Some previous Ravin programs have also promoted employment opportunities following training, potentially satisfying military service obligations for young Iranians, as Iran requires compulsory service for most eligible men.",
  "summary": "A Tehran-based cybersecurity academy sanctioned by Washington is recruiting hundreds of young people for its largest training programme, renewing scrutiny of Iran’s expanding pool of cyber specialists and their potential links to state-backed hacking operations. Ravin Academy is seeking between 600 and 1,200 Iranians aged 17 to 30 for a free, year-long cybersecurity scholarship programme. The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}