Iranian parliament passes in principle a law to curb foreign influence
Geopolitics
Iran's parliament voted on Sunday, August 16, to approve in principle a new draft law aimed at curbing foreign influence, imposing penalties on anyone who gives interviews to or communicates with foreign media that the government regards as hostile to the Islamic Republic. The measure covers US and Israeli media as well as outlets funded by the two countries. Under the draft law, giving an interview to or taking part in a discussion with media designated as hostile would be an offence. Violators could face six months to two years in prison. Interviews with other foreign media not designated as hostile would have to be reported to the Ministry of Intelligence. Contact with embassies, offices of foreign organisations, or non-Iranian entities without notifying and obtaining written permission from the Foreign Ministry could carry fines and restrictions on certain social rights. The bill also increases penalties for economic offences committed on the orders of or under the supervision of foreigners, bans providing information to foreigners without approval from the Ministry of Intelligence, and restricts scientific cooperation with foreign institutions outside an approved list. In addition, anyone who proposes policies or draft legislation on the orders of a foreign intelligence agency could face up to 30 years in prison if the action harms Iran's security or independence, with the case heard by the Revolutionary Court. However, the details of the draft law are not yet final, because parliament still has to consider the text article by article. After parliament approves the final text, the bill must be reviewed by the Guardian Council before it can take effect as law. The move follows Iran's measures to control cooperation with foreign parties, which date back to 2025, when the Iranian government passed a law increasing penalties for those accused of collaborating with hostile countries. Under that law, an Iranian photojournalist was sentenced to 15 years in prison on multiple charges, including giving interviews to media the government regards as hostile and sending photographs to organisations linked to the United States and Israel.
