Iran Approves Bill Restricting Foreign Contacts Amid Influence Concerns

Iran's parliament has taken a significant step towards tightening control over foreign interactions, approving a bill that could criminalize contact with overseas institutions, media, and organizations.

The legislation, which still requires final approval from the Guardian Council, aims to expand the legal framework for combating what authorities describe as "foreign influence." Under the proposed bill, engaging with foreign media, collaborating with international universities and research bodies, communicating with foreign embassies, or receiving foreign financial support could all become prohibited activities or require prior government authorization.

Proponents of the bill claim it is a necessary response to increased activities by foreign intelligence services and institutions. They argue that while espionage is already illegal, a clearer legal framework is needed to address broader "foreign influence."

However, legal experts and observers express serious concerns. Sina Yousefi, an Iranian lawyer based in Germany, stated that the bill's provisions are vague, leaving the distinction between legitimate contact and problematic foreign influence largely to the interpretation of security institutions and courts. "When a citizen does not know whether speaking to foreign media, cooperating with a foreign university or sharing information could later be treated as a criminal act, the law creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity," Yousefi told DW.

This move comes as Iran already maintains one of the world's most repressive media environments, with severe restrictions on access to information. Critics view the bill as a continuation of the Islamic Republic's long-standing efforts to limit freedom of expression and control the flow of information within the country.

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When a citizen does not know whether speaking to foreign media, cooperating with a foreign university or sharing information could later be treated as a criminal act, the law creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.