Iranian parliament approves bill criminalising hostile media contacts carrying up to two years in prison
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Iran's parliament approved a bill on Sunday that would criminalise interviews and other communications with media deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic, including U.S. and Israeli outlets. Violations would be punishable by six months to two years in prison, and contacts with foreign embassies without permission would draw fines and loss of social rights. The measure, which 183 lawmakers supported, still needs Guardian Council approval to become law.
Key Facts
- Iran's 290-seat parliament approved the bill's framework on August 16 with 183 votes.
- Interviews, discussions, or other communication with U.S., Israeli, or U.S.- or Israel-funded media would carry six months to two years in prison.
- Policy or legislative proposals made under foreign intelligence direction that harm Iran's security or independence would carry up to 30 years in prison and be heard by Revolutionary Courts.
- Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced this month to 15 years under a 2025 law for alleged hostile media interviews and providing photographs to U.S. and Israel-linked organisations.
- Contacts with foreign embassies, offices of foreign organisations, or other non-Iranian institutions without written permission from Iran's foreign ministry would be punishable by fines and deprivation of certain social rights.
Parliamentary Approval
Iran's parliament approved the bill's framework on August 16. The 290-seat parliament backed the framework with 183 votes. The bill must still be reviewed by the Guardian Council before it becomes law. Final provisions of the bill have not yet been approved.
Restrictions and Penalties
Violations of the ban on interviews, discussions, or other communication with media described as American, Israeli, or funded by the United States or Israel would carry six months to two years in prison. Interviews with other foreign media would require notification to the intelligence ministry. Contacts with foreign embassies, offices of foreign organisations, or other non-Iranian institutions without written permission from the foreign ministry would be punishable by fines and deprivation of certain social rights. Sending videos, photographs, audio recordings, or other data to non-Iranian media outlets or people engaged in media activities outside Iran would be criminalised.
Foreign Influence Penalties
The bill would ban providing information to foreigners without approval from the intelligence ministry. Scientific cooperation with foreign institutions would be restricted to an approved list. Policy or legislative proposals made under the direction of foreign intelligence services that harm Iran's security or independence would carry up to 30 years in prison. Cases would be heard by Revolutionary Courts. Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced this month to 15 years under a 2025 law for alleged hostile media interviews and providing photographs to U.S. and Israel-linked organisations.
3 sources
Iranian parliament approves bill criminalising hostile media contacts carrying up to two years in prison
