Iran proposes prison sentences for those who speak to foreign media

On August 16, the Iranian parliament passed a law that would criminalize interviews and other contacts with foreign media deemed "hostile" by the authorities, with violators facing up to two years in prison.

The measure was approved by 183 lawmakers in the 290-seat parliament and would ban interviews, participation in discussions or other communication with media described as American, Israeli or funded by the United States or Israel.

Offenses would carry a 6th degree prison sentence, which under Iranian law ranges from more than six months to two years. The law would also criminalize sending videos, photos, audio recordings or other data to non-Iranian media outlets or people engaged in media activities outside the country.

Contact with other foreign media would require prior notification to the Ministry of Intelligence through the government system, effectively requiring Iranians to notify authorities before giving an interview.

The law names the Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence Service as the entities responsible for investigating alleged violations.

Kambiz Gafuri, a political analyst based in Finland, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that the move, violation of the law would carry a prison sentence of six months to two years, could "turn Iran into North Korea."

"Infiltration does not happen in society, but in the power structure... Instead of looking at the security apparatus, they are persecuting journalists," Gafuri said.

He added that if the authorities are looking for real security lapses, "they will have to hold themselves accountable."

The bill also targets educational and research activities, prescribing five to ten years in prison for organizers of courses or workshops deemed "incompatible with Iranian culture," with attendees facing up to two years in prison.

Moreover, any unauthorized academic collaboration with foreign universities or research institutes without the approval of the Ministry of Intelligence will attract prison sentences ranging from six months to two years.

"Even science has to pass through security censors," Ghafuri said, accusing authorities of trying to isolate Iranians and "gagged them."

The bill would have to be approved by the constitutional oversight body, the Guardian Council, to become law.

Iran already imposes severe restrictions on independent journalism and access to information. Reporters Without Borders ranks the country 177th out of 180 in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, citing arrests, surveillance, harassment, censorship and heavy prison sentences against journalists.