Iran launches online platform to report regime critics abroad

Iranian media have announced the launch of a new online portal allowing users to report Iranians living abroad who are critical of or opposed to the government, a move that has sparked concerns over growing surveillance within the Iranian diaspora.

The platform, called "Elaaj," identifies regime critics under the banner of "protecting national security." Users can submit reports through the website about individuals suspected of activities the authorities deem hostile to Iran, according to Al Arabiya.

Iran has promised to keep the identities of those submitting reports confidential. However, details about how the platform operates or its scope remain unclear, fueling fears among Iranian opposition groups abroad of potential reprisals by the regime.

An estimated 4 million people of Iranian citizenship or descent live outside Iran, with many having left the country for political reasons and out of fear of persecution.