Iran's Parliament Approves Framework to Criminalise Interviews with US and Israeli Media

Key facts

• On August 16, 2026, Iran's parliament approved the broad framework of a bill that would criminalise engagement with foreign media outlets considered hostile to the Islamic Republic.
• Under the proposed legislation, interviews or discussions with US or Israeli media and organisations funded by either country could be prohibited.
• Violations related to such interviews could carry prison terms of six months to two years.
• Interviews with foreign media not classified as hostile would require prior notification to Iran's intelligence ministry.
• Contact with foreign embassies, foreign organisations or non-Iranian institutions without notifying and obtaining written permission from Iran's foreign ministry could lead to fines and loss of certain social rights.
• The bill includes up to 30 years in prison for policy or legislative proposals made at the direction of foreign intelligence services if authorities determine they threaten Iran's security or independence.
• Cases carrying the proposed 30-year penalty would be handled by Iran's Revolutionary Courts.
• If the final version is approved by parliament, the bill will be sent to the Guardian Council for review before becoming law.
• The proposed restrictions follow Iran's 2025 legislation, passed after its 12-day war with Israel, which toughened penalties for alleged cooperation with states considered hostile.
• Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced this month to 15 years in prison under the 2025 law over allegations including interviews with deemed hostile media and providing photographs to organisations linked to the United States and Israel.