Iran’s parliament has approved a new bill that could significantly limit communication with foreign media. The legislation, reported by Iran’s Shargh newspaper, targets media perceived as hostile to the Islamic Republic, specifically those in the United States and Israel, or outlets funded by these nations.
The bill proposes to ban interviews or participation in discussions with such media. Violators could face prison sentences ranging from six months to two years. This legislation awaits review by the Guardian Council before becoming law.
For interviews with other foreign media, advance notification to the intelligence ministry will be required. Contact with foreign embassies or non-Iranian organizations without prior notification and written approval from the foreign ministry may result in fines and social penalties.
Additionally, the bill increases penalties for economic crimes with foreign oversight. It also prohibits sharing information with foreign parties without intelligence ministry consent. Scientific collaboration with foreign entities will be limited to those on an approved list.
Legislative or policy proposals directed by foreign intelligence services, if deemed harmful to Iran’s security or independence, could result in prison terms of up to 30 years. Such cases would be adjudicated by Revolutionary Courts.
This bill follows Iran’s previous steps to criminalize cooperation with foreign bodies. In 2025, after a brief war with Israel, the country enacted a law imposing strict penalties for collaboration with perceived hostile states. Under this law, Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery received a 15-year sentence this month due to allegations of engaging with what the Iranian government considers hostile media and supplying photos to organizations linked to the U.S. and Israel.