Iran Parliament Advances Bill Criminalizing Hostile Media Interviews

Iran's parliament approved the general principles of a bill on Sunday that would criminalize interviews and other communications with media outlets deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic, including United States and Israeli media and organizations financed by either country. The move, reported by Iranian media including the newspaper Shargh, marks a significant tightening of restrictions on engagement with foreign entities.

Under the proposed legislation, which still requires detailed debate and a final vote in parliament, participating in interviews or discussions with such designated media would be banned. Violations could carry prison sentences of six months to two years. The bill also introduces measures for other foreign contacts: interviews with foreign media not classified as hostile would require notification to the intelligence ministry, and contact with foreign embassies or organizations without prior notification and written permission from the foreign ministry could result in fines and the loss of certain social rights.

The bill's scope extends beyond media interactions. It proposes hardened penalties for economic crimes committed under foreign direction, a ban on...