Iran’s parliament has approved a bill aimed at criminalizing interactions with media outlets considered hostile to the Islamic Republic, such as those from the U.S. or Israel, according to Iran’s Shargh newspaper. The bill, pending review by the Guardian Council, imposes penalties for engaging with these media.

The proposed legislation prohibits interviews or participation in discussions with the specified media. Violations could lead to imprisonment ranging from six months to two years.

Interactions with other foreign media necessitate notifying the intelligence ministry. Communication with foreign embassies, foreign organizations, or any non-Iranian bodies without prior notification and written consent from the foreign ministry may result in fines and loss of certain social rights.

The bill increases sanctions for economic crimes influenced by foreigners, restricts sharing information with them without intelligence ministry approval, and limits scientific collaboration to approved foreign institutions.

It prescribes severe penalties for policy or legislative actions that compromise Iran’s security or independence under foreign intelligence influence, with prison terms up to 30 years. Such cases would be judged by Revolutionary Courts.

This initiative follows a previous law enacted in 2025 after a conflict with Israel, which also penalized cooperation with hostile states more harshly.

Consequently, Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery received a 15-year sentence under this existing law. She faced accusations including conducting interviews with media considered hostile and sharing photographs with organizations linked to the U.S. and Israel.