Iranian Parliament Approves Bill to Criminalize Contact With Hostile Media

Iran's parliament approved the general principles of a bill on Sunday that would criminalize interviews and communications with media outlets deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic. The legislation specifically targets media from the United States and Israel, as well as outlets financed by either country. Under the proposed law, individuals who participate in discussions or interviews with such media could face prison sentences ranging from six months to two years. The bill must still be debated article by article and reviewed by the Guardian Council before it becomes law.

Beyond media contact, the bill proposes several other restrictions. Interviews with other foreign media would require notification to the intelligence ministry. Contact with foreign embassies or non Iranian institutions without written permission from the foreign ministry could result in fines and the loss of certain social rights. The legislation also seeks to harden penalties for economic crimes directed by foreigners, restrict scientific cooperation with unapproved foreign institutions, and punish policy proposals made under the direction of foreign intelligence services with prison terms of up to 30 years. Cases would be heard by Revolutionary Courts.

Some reports indicate the bill also includes prohibitions on producing cultural works, such as films or books, that promote a culture contrary to Islam or present a negative image of the country. These measures follow a 2025 law passed after a 12 day war with Israel that increased penalties for cooperation with hostile states. Under that previous law, photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was recently sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for providing photographs and interviews to US and Israel linked organizations.

Osman Salari, a member of parliament's judicial and legal commission, stated that the individual provisions have not yet been finalized and should not be considered final.