Iran Moves to Criminalize Engagement with 'Hostile' Foreign Media

In a significant escalation of its crackdown on foreign influence, the Iranian parliament on Sunday approved the general framework of a new bill designed to criminalize communication and interviews with media organizations categorized as 'hostile' to the Islamic Republic. While the specific details of the legislation are still subject to parliamentary debate and final approval, the framework sets a clear trajectory toward severely restricting how Iranian citizens interact with the global press.

According to reports from the Sharg newspaper and Reuters, the primary targets of this legislation are media outlets based in or funded by the United States and Israel. Salari, a prominent member of the parliament's Judicial and Legal Committee, noted that the overarching goal of the bill is to insulate the nation from the perceived negative influence of foreign entities. The legal implications for violating these rules are stringent; individuals found to have granted interviews or engaged in discussions with these 'hostile' outlets could face prison sentences ranging from six months to two years.

Beyond the prohibition of 'hostile' media, the bill introduces a rigorous oversight mechanism for all foreign press engagement. Iranians wishing to be interviewed by non-hostile foreign media will now be required to report such activities to the Ministry of Intelligence. Furthermore, the legislation extends its reach to diplomatic and institutional interactions. Any contact with foreign embassies, international organization offices, or other non-Iranian institutions without explicit written permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could result in heavy fines and the loss of various social and civil rights.

특히, the proposed law places a heavy emphasis on national security and political integrity. The legislation proposes draconian penalties for those who propose policies or legislative changes under the direction or supervision of foreign intelligence agencies. Such actions, viewed as threats to Iran's independence and security, could carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Additionally, the bill seeks to tighten controls over the economic and scientific sectors. It mandates harsher punishments for economic crimes committed under foreign guidance and strictly limits scientific collaboration to a pre-approved list of foreign institutions, requiring Ministry of Intelligence approval for any exceptions.

This legislative push is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of securitizing foreign relations. Following a brief but intense 12-day conflict with Israel, Iran had already implemented stricter laws in 2025 to punish those suspected of collaborating with enemy states. The current move represents a further tightening of the legal net around journalists, academics, and diplomats.

The real-world consequences of these policies are already becoming evident. This month, a photojournalist named Moayeri was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The court found Moayeri guilty of providing photographs to organizations linked to the U.S. and Israel and engaging in interviews with media outlets deemed hostile by the state. The severity of this sentence serves as a stark warning to others who might consider bridging the communication gap between Iran and the West.

As the Iranian government continues to redefine the boundaries of 'national security,' the window for international journalistic engagement is closing. By treating communication as a criminal act and treating information sharing as espionage, Tehran is effectively creating a digital and intellectual fortress, further isolating its populace from global discourse while ensuring that the state maintains absolute control over the national narrative.