SSI RM Security & Risk Management Consultancy 'Safe in our hands' International House, George Curl Way, Southampton, SO18 2RZ w: www.ssi-ltd.com e: management@ssi-ltd.com t: +44 (0)20 3141 2100 COUNTRY BRIEF - IRAN SSI RM DIRECTOR'S SUMMARY Companies should very carefully assess the risks of pursuing commercial opportunities in Iran. There are a number of hazards that need to be managed including the regime's endemic anti- Western attitude, weak legal protections for individuals and companies, and the wider security situation in the region. Educate deploying personnel on local religious and cultural norms and demand compliance with them. Map Crown Copyright 2017 (FCO363 Edition 4). RISK INDICES Country Risk Rating The Country Risk Rating for Iran is 'three'. 0 1 2 3 4 5 Out of the 160 countries analysed by SSI RM's Country Risk Assessment Index Iran is ranked #45 (the higher the ranking the better). For reference the United States of America is ranked #114. Executive Summary 1 Internal Stability Index Conflict Index Terrorism Index Corruption Index Travel Safety Index Crime Index
Internal Stability Index The Internal Stability Index rating for Iran is 'moderate risk' with a score of 85.8. For reference other countries with a similar score for internal stability are Papua New Guinea (86.4) and Cambodia (85.7). There are occasional protests against the ruling regime, most recently in December 2017/January 2018, which focused on economic policy but still amounted to political opposition to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Conflict Index The Conflict Index rating for Iran is 'moderate risk' with a score of 2.364. For reference other countries with a similar score for conflict are Zimbabwe (2.352) and Egypt (2.583). Iran is a major actor in the Sunni/Shia conflict that is destabilising the entire region. This conflict is being conducted through proxy forces/non-state actors but there is a threat that it could escalate into inter-state conflict. US/Iran relations, centred on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed on 14 July 2015, are deteriorating as a consequence of the Trump administration's re-evaluation of US interests in the Middle East. Terrorism Index The Terrorism Index rating for Iran is 'low risk' with a score of 3.714. For reference other countries with a similar score for terrorism are Venezuela (3.632) and Ivory Coast (3.701). There have been no terrorist attacks in the last 12 months. There is a threat from Sunni and Kurdish terrorist groups but foreigners are not the target. There is a threat of kidnapping in the border areas with Iraq and Afghanistan. 2
Corruption Index The Corruption Index rating for Iran is 'high risk' with a score of 29. For reference other countries with a similar score for corruption are Lebanon (28) and the Russian Federation (29). Individuals involved in commercial disputes may be prevented from leaving Iran until the dispute is resolved. Industrial/commercial espionage is common so business travellers should take appropriate measures to protect sensitive information. Travel Safety Index The Travel Safety Index rating for Iran is 'moderate risk'. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all but essential travel with 10km of the border with Iran and within 100km of the border with Afghanistan. Keep a low profile when travelling in Iran and avoid using electronic devices, e.g. computers, in public places and don't take photographs outside of the main tourist sites. The FCO warns that as of 15 April 2018 it is not legal to change money at bureaux de change and it is also illegal to change money on the street. Ensure you have enough Iranian Rials for your trip. Crime Index The Crime Index rating for Iran is 'moderate risk'. SECURITY POSTURE MODERATE An incident/attack is possible but not likely. Clients can operate safely in Iran if security measures and risk controls are implemented in accordance with the SSI RM Security and Risk Management Plan for Iran. 3
The security situation in Iran, and in the wider region, could deteriorate rapidly without warning. SSI RM advises that the security situation is monitored closely throughout the deployment period of any company personnel. HEALTH General Individuals should visit their health professional 4-6 weeks before deployment to discuss their detailed requirements for medical support, vaccinations, etc, based on their specific health circumstances, e.g. medical history. The information in this Country Brief for Iran is NOT a substitute for this advice. All personnel deploying to Iran should be covered by adequate health insurance. Medical Facilities Medical facilities are reasonable in major cities and poor in all other areas. Dial 115 for emergency medical assistance. Disease Index Yellow Fever Typhoid Hepatitis A Rabies Tetanus (booster) Cholera Tuberculosis Encephalitis Meningitis (booster) Influenza Malaria Dengue HIV/AIDS Zika Vaccination Recommendations The following recommendations are based on the assumption that the individual is up-todate with vaccinations for the following diseases (vaccination baseline): diphtheria, measles, tetanus, whooping cough, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, rotavirus, meningitis B & C, and mumps. 4
Yellow Fever NO Typhoid OPTIONAL Hepatitis A OPTIONAL Rabies OPTIONAL Tetanus (booster) OPTIONAL Cholera NO Tuberculosis NO Encephalitis NO Meningitis (booster) NO Influenza NO There is no need to take anti-malaria prophylaxis. There is a requirement for a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Iran. OTHER INFORMATION Local Laws and Customs Islamic law is strictly enforced. Respect local traditions, customs and laws at all times. Men should cover their legs and arms. Women should cover their legs, arms and head. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification. Natural Disasters Major earthquakes are possible in Iran. Notes: 1. Maps used in SSI RM's Country Briefs are sourced under the Open Government Licence v3.0 from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's foreign travel advice website. Map Crown Copyright 2017 (FCO363 Edition 4). 5