Iran Parliament Approves Bill Criminalizing Contact With Hostile Foreign Media

Iran's parliament has taken a step toward criminalizing contact with media outlets deemed hostile, including those from the United States and Israel. The legislative body approved the general principles of a bill that could see Iranian citizens face up to two years in prison for communicating with or being interviewed by such foreign media.

This move signals a hardening stance by Iran towards international media engagement. The bill, if fully enacted, would significantly restrict the ability of Iranian citizens to interact with news organizations perceived as adversaries by the government. The specifics of the law, including the exact definition of "hostile media" and the scope of "communication," are still under discussion.

However, Iranian officials have moved to temper immediate concerns, clarifying that the bill has not yet been finalized. They emphasized that the legislative process is ongoing and that the precise details and penalties are still being determined. This suggests that while the intent is clear, the final form of the law may still be subject to change before it is officially adopted.