Tehran, Iran, July 28, 2026: The International Relations Commission of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran met to review the country’s international sports standing and discuss ways to strengthen its global influence.
The meeting was attended by Iran NOC Secretary General Dr. Mahdi Alinejad and newly-elected IOC Member and IOC Athletes’ Commission member Soraya Aghaei, along with other commission members, including chair and former NOC President Kioomars Hashemi.
Hashemi presented an analytical report based on studies conducted by several countries on the "political power of sport" and outlined Iran’s current position and the factors that shape a country's influence in global sport.
NOC Secretary General Alinejad called for the commission to serve as the NOC’s diplomacy think tank and proposed the formation of an advisory council made up of Iranians holding positions in the IOC, OCA, international federations and other sport bodies.
Aghaei briefed members on the IOC’s two most recent meetings and key Executive Board decisions, including the implementation of the "Fit for the Future" strategy, and a new method for shaping the Olympic Games programme from Brisbane 2032 onwards.
The meeting concluded with the commission stressing the need for a comprehensive road map to expand Iran’s sports diplomacy and strengthen the country’s presence internationally.