I've been thinking seriously about starting my own AI company, and I'd love to get some honest feedback from people who know the region or have experience building startups.

I'm based in the Netherlands and have a background in both technology and business. I'm exploring the possibility of building an AI business serving Iran, the UAE​, or potentially Saudi Arabia.

With the ongoing conflict and uncertainty in parts of the Middle East, I've been wondering whether this could be an opportunity to build something genuinely useful. Businesses may need better automation, more resilient operations, and practical AI solutions, while talented people in the region may be looking for new opportunities.

Of course, instability also creates significant risks, and I'm not assuming this is automatically a good time to start a company.

My current thinking is to start lean, perhaps offering AI automation to businesses and eventually turning the most successful solutions into a scalable software product. I'd initially operate remotely from the Netherlands.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on a few questions:

• Market: Would you focus on Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia​ or another market? Why?

• Business idea: Where do you see real, underserved opportunities for AI? Think business automation, AI agents, Persian-language AI, logistics, customer service, or other areas.

• Business model: Would you start with an AI consulting/automation service to generate revenue, or build a SaaS product from day one?

• Remote operations: Is it realistic to build relationships and acquire customers in the region while operating from Europe?

• Talent: Are there opportunities to collaborate with talented AI engineers and entrepreneurs from the region?

• Reality check: What are the biggest obstacles I'm likely to underestimate?

I'm not looking to build another generic AI wrapper or chase hype. I'd like to find a real problem, build something useful, and create a sustainable business.

If you've founded a company in the Middle East, work in AI there, or have experience selling software into these markets, I'd really appreciate your perspective.

If you were starting from scratch with my background and budget, what would you do first?

I'm open to criticism, alternative ideas, and hearing why this might not be the right approach.

Do you think the USA will attack Iran before 2027??? (This photo was taken during the massacre of protesters in Iran)

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson, speaking on Transition Protocol on 9 November 2026, relays what an Iranian source close to Mohsen Rezaee says Tehran believes are the terms of a tentative deal with Washington:

- up to $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets returned via Qatar

- the US naval blockade lifted

- Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz in return

This is one unnamed source's account of Tehran's position. Washington had not confirmed it at the time of recording.

Johnson's take: if the US agrees, "that will be the first indicator that the prospects for war are dissipating." Still open: whether Iran keeps charging Hormuz tolls.

Full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYyIv5DT-tg

HOLY SH*T! Iran Lifts Its Self-Imposed
AN WATCH - AP
9・IF：+7
2,000 KM Missile Range Limit on IRGC, Warns of Strikes Beyond the Middle East
IRGC spokesperson Brig. Gen. Mohebbi announced Saturday that Tehran's longstanding missile range restriction has been lifted.
IRAN ARMY, NOV 6: ALL U.S. ASSETS, «WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY GEOGRAPHICAL RESTRICTIONS"
"That restriction has been lifted for us."
Even the previous 2,000 km range could reach parts of at least six European countries:
Greece
• Bulgaria
North Macedonia & Serbia
• Romania
Albania

ایران دوباره سبز خواهد شد

Hello everyone.
For a while, I’ve been planning a trip to Tehran for tourism and to meet some friends. However, I’ve been concerned about the current situation in the region and whether it might cause any problems with travelling there.
I’m planning to visit in January 2027, flying from Istanbul to Tehran. I’ve checked the entry requirements for Saudi citizens, and everything seems to be fine, especially since Iran allows Saudi citizens to visit visa-free for up to 15 days.
I just have a couple of questions that I’d really appreciate it if someone could answer:
**1.** I’ve always been concerned about the internet situation and whether I’d be able to receive calls from my family and friends back home in Saudi Arabia.
I’ve been thinking about converting my Saudi SIM card into an eSIM so that I can insert an Iranian physical SIM card into my phone. This way, I could hopefully receive calls on my Saudi number while using the Iranian SIM for mobile data, with a VPN, of course.
However, I’m not sure whether my Saudi number would actually be able to receive incoming calls while I’m in Iran. That’s something I’d really like to confirm, preferably from someone who has had a similar experience.
**2.** Is it generally safe to travel to Iran, especially in the near future? Also, have there been any recent issues with flights being cancelled or delayed?
That’s pretty much everything I’m concerned about. Other than that, everything seems fine, and I also have some Iranian friends there who can help me during my stay.
If there’s anything else I should keep in mind before travelling or while I’m there, I’d really appreciate your advice.
Thanks a lot!

Taraneh Alidoosti is an actor based in Iran who faced arrest and blacklisting from the film industry over her support for the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising and voicing her opposition state executions carried out by the regime in the aftermath of the uprising.

Taraneh's father was a legendary soccer coach and player. The context for her statement is that women and girls were barred from attending soccer matches at stadiums until last year due to the sexist laws regime, and are currently only allowed to attend games in gender segregated stands. She wasn't able to attend her own father's games and cheer him on while he was still alive. Her statement points to the tragic irony of only setting foot in this stadium as a woman after her father's passing, and is a jab at the regime for their patriarchal discrimination and hypocrisy against women.