Key facts
- Iran's parliament approved a bill to criminalize interviews and communications with media deemed hostile.
- Violations are punishable by six months to two years in prison.
- Contact with foreign entities without prior notification and written permission will result in fines and loss of social rights.
- Penalties for economic crimes directed by foreigners will be increased.
- Policy or legislative proposals made under foreign direction that harm Iran's security could lead to prison terms of up to 30 years.
Iran's parliament has approved a bill that would criminalize interviews and other communications with media deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic, including outlets financed by the U.S. or Israel. The bill, which requires review by the Guardian Council, stipulates that violations could result in prison sentences ranging from six months to two years. Under the proposed legislation, interviews with other foreign media outlets would necessitate prior notification to the intelligence ministry. Unauthorized contact with foreign embassies, organizations, or institutions would be punishable by a fine and the deprivation of certain social rights. The bill also aims to increase penalties for economic crimes committed under foreign direction and prohibits providing information to foreigners without intelligence ministry approval. Furthermore, policy or legislative proposals made under the direction of foreign intelligence services that could harm Iran's security or independence could lead to prison terms of up to 30 years, with cases to be heard by Revolutionary Courts. This move follows a similar law passed in 2025, which imposed stricter penalties for alleged cooperation with hostile states. Recently, Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery received a 15-year sentence under that law for alleged offenses including interviews with hostile media and providing photographs to U.S. and Israel-linked organizations.