DUBAI — Iran’s parliament has approved a new bill that limits interactions with certain media outlets. This legislation targets interviews and communications with media considered hostile to the Islamic Republic, particularly those linked to the U.S. or Israel, according to Iran’s Shargh newspaper.
The bill, awaiting review by the Guardian Council before becoming law, could impose prison sentences ranging from six months to two years for those who violate its terms by engaging with the specified media.
Other foreign media interactions would require notifying the intelligence ministry. Additionally, contacts with foreign embassies or non-Iranian institutions without prior approval from the foreign ministry would result in fines and certain social restrictions.
The bill also increases penalties for economic crimes involving foreign direction or supervision. It bans the provision of information to foreigners without intelligence ministry consent and limits scientific collaborations to a pre-approved list.
Legislative suggestions or policies falling under foreign intelligence influence and affecting Iran’s security or independence could lead to prison sentences of up to 30 years. Such cases would be decided by Revolutionary Courts.
This is not the first instance of Iran enforcing strict measures against foreign cooperation. A law enacted in 2025, following a brief war with Israel, intensified penalties for affiliating with hostile states.
Recently, Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery received a 15-year sentence under that law. Her charges included giving interviews to media deemed hostile and supplying photographs to organizations linked to the U.S. and Israel.
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