Lawmakers in Iran approved a legislative proposal on Sunday aimed at banning interviews and interactions with media outlets classified as adversary entities to the Islamic Republic, reported Reuters.
The restriction specifically targets American and Israeli news organizations, as well as media operations funded by either country, according to reports in the domestic newspaper Shargh.
Before taking full legal effect, the draft legislation must complete a formal review by the Guardian Council. If enacted, the measure would outlaw participating in broadcasts or panel discussions with designated “hostile" outlets, establishing penalties ranging from six months to two years in prison for violators.
The proposed statutory framework introduces additional hurdles for interacting with other international institutions. For interviews with non-hostile foreign media, individuals must notify the intelligence ministry in advance. Unreported contact or communication with foreign embassies and organizations conducted without explicit written authorization from the foreign ministry carries financial fines alongside the revocation of specific social privileges.
The bill also raises criminal penalties for financial offenses carried out under the direction or supervision of external entities. Regarding academic and information sharing, the measure prohibits sharing data with foreign parties without intelligence ministry clearance and restricts institutional scientific collaboration strictly to a state-approved registry.
Furthermore, legislative or policy initiatives drafted under the sway of foreign intelligence services that are deemed harmful to national security or sovereignty could carry prison sentences reaching 30 years. Prosecutions under these provisions would be tried within the Revolutionary Courts.
The legislative action represents a continuation of Tehran's ongoing efforts to restrict ties with external organizations. Following a 12-day military conflict with Israel in 2025, parliament passed security legislation that heightened punishments for suspected cooperation with hostile foreign powers.
Earlier this month, Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery received a 15-year prison sentence under the 2025 statute. The charges against her cited media interviews given to outlets deemed hostile by authorities, as well as the distribution of photographic materials to organizations associated with the United States and Israel.