The purpose of this study is to identify similarities and differences in the Artificial Intelligence (hereinafter AI) policies of the states claiming global (Russia) and regional (Iran) influence. The context of this study is the sanctions of Western countries, which significantly influenced the policy of these states in this area. The research methodology is based on the principles of comparative analysis. We analyze legislation and strategic documents, as well as institutions and practices in the field of artificial intelligence development in these states. Identifying national AI policy patterns can be an important predictive tool. In order to conduct a comparative analysis of legislation, we developed a set of parameters for comparison: (1) AI development goals, (2) authorities responsible for the implementation of AI projects, (3) AI development priorities, and (4) positions of countries in the global AI development rankings. The basis of the study is the analysis of AI development indices (Government AI Readiness 2021 by Oxford Insights, Nature Index 2020 Artificial Intelligence, and Global AI Index 2021 by Tortoise Media), official statistics, national legislation, and media publications. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.