Iranian Parliament Passes Bill Restricting Media Interaction

The Iranian parliament has passed a bill aimed at limiting communication with media considered hostile to the Islamic Republic. This includes outlets from the U.S. and Israel, or those funded by either nation, as reported by Iran’s Shargh newspaper. The bill is pending review by the Guardian Council before it can be enacted.

If made law, engaging in interviews or discussions with specified media will lead to punishments ranging from six months to two years in prison. Participation in interviews with other foreign media will necessitate prior notification to Iran’s intelligence ministry. Additionally, unauthorized contact with foreign embassies, organizations, or other non-Iranian entities will incur fines and loss of certain social privileges.

The legislation further intensifies penalties for economic offenses executed under foreign supervision. It forbids sharing information with foreigners without approval from the intelligence ministry and limits scientific collaboration to only those foreign institutions on an approved list.

Proposals for policy or legislation directed by foreign intelligence that might compromise Iran’s security or sovereignty would be punishable with sentences up to 30 years. Such cases will be tried in Revolutionary Courts.

This is not Iran’s first action against collaboration with foreign entities. In 2025, following a 12-day conflict with Israel, the country enacted laws imposing severe penalties for working with hostile states.

Recently, Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery received a 15-year prison sentence under the 2025 law. She faced accusations of giving interviews to media considered hostile and sharing photographs with organizations linked to the U.S. and Israel.