TEHRAN — Ordinary interactions between Iranians and foreign media organizations, universities, embassies and other institutions could soon face criminal penalties under a sweeping bill advancing through Iran’s parliament.
The proposed legislation is being presented by Iranian authorities as a measure to combat foreign intelligence infiltration. But press-freedom and rights groups warn that its broad provisions could significantly restrict journalism, academic cooperation, access to information and communication with the outside world.
The Iranian parliament approved the general framework of the bill on August 16, with 183 lawmakers voting in favor, according to Reuters. The legislation has not yet become law and still requires article-by-article consideration and further approval, including review by the Guardian Council.
Foreign media contacts could face prison
One of the most controversial provisions concerns communication with foreign media outlets considered “hostile” by Iranian authorities.
Under the version reported by Reuters, unauthorized interviews, discussions or other communications with media organizations regarded as hostile—particularly outlets affiliated with or financed by the United States or Israel—could result in six months to two years in prison.
The proposal would also impose restrictions on interactions with other foreign media organizations.
The International Federation of Journalists said the proposed measure could criminalize interviews with foreign media deemed hostile, while imposing additional notification or authorization requirements for dealings with other foreign outlets.
That distinction is significant because it means the proposed rules could go beyond targeting espionage or intelligence activity and potentially affect routine journalistic communication.
Even academic and institutional contacts could be affected
The proposed legislation reportedly extends beyond journalists.
Contacts involving foreign universities, research institutions, embassies, organizations and other non-Iranian institutions could also be subject to notification requirements, government authorization or penalties, depending on the circumstances.
Reuters reported that communications with foreign embassies and organizations could require permission from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, with violations potentially carrying fines and restrictions on certain social rights.
The measure could therefore affect researchers, academics, civil-society groups, journalists and ordinary citizens whose professional or institutional activities involve international counterparts.
The bill is part of a broader “foreign influence” crackdown
Iranian authorities say the legislation is aimed at preventing foreign intelligence services from influencing the country.
But critics argue that the definition of foreign influence could be sufficiently broad to give security authorities greater power to investigate or punish legitimate communication.
Deutsche Welle reported that the proposed bill would impose sweeping restrictions on relationships with foreign institutions and foreign-based media, potentially making it more difficult for people inside Iran to access independent information.
The debate comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western countries and an increasingly restrictive environment for journalists and civil society.
Why journalists are particularly concerned
The proposal has raised alarm among press-freedom advocates because interviews with international media are a normal part of journalism.
The International Federation of Journalists warned that criminalizing communication with foreign media could further restrict the ability of Iranian journalists and citizens to tell the outside world what is happening inside the country.
The legislation also comes against the backdrop of recent cases involving Iranian journalists accused by authorities of cooperation with foreign interests.
Deutsche Welle and other international outlets have reported on the increasingly difficult environment facing Iranian journalists and civil society groups.
Government opposition adds another layer
The proposed restrictions have reportedly generated opposition even within Iran’s government.
Iran International reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration opposed the infiltration bill, arguing that its provisions could violate citizens’ rights, restrict academic connections and potentially contribute to the departure of Iranian researchers and specialists from the country.
That disagreement is notable because the legislation is being advanced in the name of national security while members of the administration have raised concerns about its broader social and economic consequences.
It is not yet a final law
Despite headlines describing Iran as having “banned” contact with foreigners, the legal situation is more nuanced.
Iran has not yet enacted a blanket law making all contact with foreigners a crime.
What parliament has done is approve the general framework of a proposed bill. The specific provisions still have to go through additional legislative procedures, and the legislation must clear the country’s constitutional review process before becoming enforceable law.
That distinction is crucial.
If enacted in its reported form, however, the legislation could substantially expand the circumstances in which communication with foreign media and institutions becomes a security or criminal matter.
A widening information wall
The proposed law comes as Iran faces intense geopolitical tensions and increased scrutiny over the flow of information into and out of the country.
For journalists, researchers and ordinary Iranians, the central concern is no longer simply whether information is available—but whether communicating that information across Iran’s borders could itself become legally dangerous.
The bill’s next stages will determine how broadly those restrictions are ultimately written and enforced.
For now, the message from Tehran is clear: Iranian authorities are seeking stronger legal powers to control what they describe as foreign influence—and the consequences could reach far beyond suspected espionage.
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