Clarification Regarding Microsoft Store Publishing and Code Signing for an Independent Developer Residing in Iran

Hello Microsoft Support Team,

I am an independent software developer residing in Iran, and I am developing a desktop application called Satrap Application.

The application is built using Tauri, Vue 2, Rust, and Java. The source code is proprietary and will not be open source. I intend to distribute the application to Windows users through my official website.

My main concern is Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. I want to digitally sign my application and installer with a trusted code-signing certificate so that users can verify the publisher and the integrity of the software, while minimizing SmartScreen warnings.

Before purchasing a certificate or applying for a developer account, I would appreciate clarification on the following questions:

1. Can an individual developer who resides in Iran and holds only Iranian identity documents register for a Microsoft Store developer account?
2. Are there any legal or regional restrictions that prevent an individual residing in Iran from publishing a Windows desktop application through the Microsoft Store?
3. Is Microsoft Artifact Signing available to individual developers residing in Iran? If not, is there another Microsoft-supported code-signing option available to me?
4. If Microsoft Store publishing is unavailable, can you recommend an officially supported way for an individual developer residing in Iran to obtain a publicly trusted code-signing certificate for a proprietary Windows application?
5. Does Microsoft have any recommended distribution method for a Tauri-based Windows application that would help establish publisher reputation and minimize SmartScreen warnings?

I am looking for a legitimate solution that complies with Microsoft's policies and applicable restrictions. I do not want to use false identity information or bypass regional eligibility requirements.

If your team does not handle all of these questions, I would appreciate it if you could direct me to the appropriate department.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Best regards,

Satrap Application Developer