Maximum Support Act

Summary

Requires multiple U.S. government strategies and programs to support democratic change in Iran. It directs agencies to develop plans to encourage defections of Iranian officials, expand internet freedom and anti-censorship tools (VPNs, satellite-to-cell, secure comms), create a cybersecurity support program for dissidents and journalists, ensure sanctions don’t block access to circumvention technology, and consider designating Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. It also orders seizure of Iranian government assets in U.S. jurisdiction to be deposited in the Treasury and used to fund vetted programs inside Iran (such as strike support, humanitarian aid, documentation of abuses, and internet-freedom work) with annual audits and reporting to Congress.

• Directs multiple unclassified strategies (with possible classified annexes) to support defections, internet freedom, sanctions compatibility, cybersecurity, and an overall U.S. support plan for democratic transition in Iran.
• Orders the seizure of Iranian government funds in U.S. jurisdiction and directs their use to support vetted Iranian democratic actors, humanitarian aid, documentation of abuses, and internet-freedom efforts.
• Requires establishment of interagency working groups/task forces, a Special Representative and office to coordinate efforts, and detailed implementation plans with tight timelines (mostly 90–180 days).
• Mandates annual audits by the Comptroller General and Inspectors General of relevant agencies, with immediate suspension of funds if audits find the regime materially benefited.
• Creates programs to deliver anti-censorship tools (VPNs, satellite-to-cell, eSIMs), secure communications, and rapid cybersecurity assistance for dissidents, activists, and journalists.
• Directs a 90-day determination on whether Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) meets criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and requires prompt reporting if designated.
• Requires strategies to include vetting procedures to exclude regime-affiliated contractors and mechanisms to prevent resale or regime control of distributed hardware and services.
• Requires measures to ensure U.S. sanctions do not unintentionally block access to censorship-circumvention tools and seeks licenses/waivers and private-sector guidance where appropriate.
• Emphasizes international coordination for defections, protection of defectors, and deployment of internet-freedom technologies.