RismadarVoice Reporters
August 16, 2026
Iran’s parliament on Sunday approved a bill seeking to criminalise interviews and other forms of communication with media outlets deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic, including US- and Israeli-linked organisations.
The bill, reported by Iran’s Shargh newspaper, still requires approval by the Guardian Council before it can become law.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals who give interviews to or participate in discussions with US or Israeli media, as well as outlets financed by either country, could face six months to two years in prison.
The legislation would also require individuals seeking to speak with other foreign media outlets to notify Iran’s Intelligence Ministry.
Contact with foreign embassies, offices of international organisations or other non-Iranian institutions without prior notification and written permission from the Foreign Ministry would attract fines and the loss of certain social rights.
The bill proposes tougher penalties in several other areas, including economic crimes allegedly committed under foreign direction or supervision.
It would also prohibit individuals from providing information to foreigners without approval from the Intelligence Ministry and restrict scientific cooperation with foreign institutions outside an approved list.
Policy or legislative proposals made under the direction of foreign intelligence services that are deemed harmful to Iran’s security or independence could attract prison sentences of up to 30 years.
Cases arising under the proposed law would be handled by Iran’s Revolutionary Courts.
The move follows previous efforts by Tehran to tighten restrictions on contacts with foreign entities. In 2025, Iran adopted a law imposing tougher penalties for alleged cooperation with hostile states following a 12-day conflict with Israel.
Earlier this month, Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced to 15 years in prison under the 2025 law over allegations that included giving interviews to media considered hostile by Tehran and providing photographs to organisations linked to the United States and Israel.
