Iran's government opposes parliamentary bill to expand definition of 'enemy infiltration'

Key facts

• Iran's government opposes a parliamentary bill to expand the definition of 'enemy infiltration'.
• The bill would restrict contacts with foreign media and institutions, and the sharing of information.
• Proponents of the bill aim to counter the 'influence' of Iran's enemies.
• The legislation would group countries into three tiers of scrutiny, with the US and Israel in the highest tier.
• Activities like exchanging reports, data, or statistics with foreign entities would need to be registered.
• Unauthorized conversations or interviews with media considered hostile by the Islamic Republic are prohibited.

Iran's government has voiced opposition to a parliamentary bill that seeks to broaden the definition of 'enemy infiltration' and impose stricter penalties for activities deemed to facilitate foreign influence. The bill, supported by the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, aims to restrict interactions with foreign media, institutions, and scientific cooperation.

The government's stance appears to be a pushback against hardliners within parliament who have advocated for more stringent security laws, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts involving the US and Israel. The bill, which has alarmed the public and experts, was presented by proponents as a measure to counter foreign influence, especially in academia, media, and the cultural sector. An updated 33-article version was released on Wednesday, following a previous 19-article draft. If passed, the legislation would categorize countries into three tiers of scrutiny, with the US and Israel facing the highest level. It mandates registration for various foreign-linked activities, including exchanging data and statistics, and prohibits unauthorized interactions with media deemed hostile by the Islamic Republic. Violators could face significant prison sentences, with penalties for disseminating false information under foreign direction potentially reaching 30 years. The bill requires final ratification by parliament and the Guardian Council.