Iran Parliament Votes to Criminalize Contact With “Hostile Media” and Foreign Embassies

Iran’s parliament approved a bill that would criminalize interviews and communications with media deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic, including U.S. or Israeli outlets and those funded by either country. The bill would bar participation in discussions or interviews with such media and punish violations with prison terms ranging from six months to two years. It also requires notification for interviews with other foreign media and introduces fines and limits on social rights for contact with foreign embassies or foreign organizations without permission from the foreign ministry. The bill now goes to the Guardian Council before becoming law.