Iran moves to criminalise interviews with US, Israeli media

Iran's parliament on Sunday approved the broad framework of legislation aimed at tightening restrictions on suspected foreign influence, including proposed criminal penalties for engaging with media outlets considered hostile to the Islamic Republic, Iranian media reported.The bill's general principles were approved by lawmakers, according to Iranian newspaper Shargh. However, the details of the proposed legislation have not yet been finalised.Osman Salari, a member of parliament's judicial and legal commission, told Iran's Mizan news agency that individual provisions still needed to be debated and voted on. He cautioned against treating reports about the bill's specific measures as final.Under the proposed legislation, interviews or participation in discussions with media outlets deemed hostile to Iran, including US or Israeli media and organisations funded by either country, could be prohibited. Violations could carry six months to two years in prison.The bill would also introduce restrictions on contacts with other foreign organisations and institutions.Interviews with foreign media not classified as hostile would require notification to Iran's intelligence ministry, while contact with foreign embassies, offices of foreign organisations or other non-Iranian institutions without notifying and obtaining written permission from the foreign ministry could result in fines and the loss of certain social rights.The proposed legislation would also increase penalties for economic offences carried out under the direction or supervision of foreigners, prohibit the transfer of information to foreigners without approval from the intelligence ministry and restrict scientific cooperation with foreign institutions to an approved list.It would also criminalise policy or legislative proposals made at the direction of foreign intelligence services if authorities determine they threaten Iran's security or independence. Such offences could carry prison terms of up to 30 years, with cases to be handled by Revolutionary Courts.The bill will now be debated article by article in parliament. If lawmakers approve a final version, it will be sent to Iran's Guardian Council for review before it can become law.The proposed restrictions follow legislation passed by Iran in 2025 after its 12-day war with Israel, which introduced tougher penalties for alleged cooperation with states considered hostile by Tehran.The law has already been used in a case involving Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery, who was sentenced this month to 15 years in prison over allegations that included giving interviews to media outlets deemed hostile and providing photographs to organisations linked to the United States and Israel.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.