Iran parliament approves bill to criminalize foreign contact

Iran's parliament has moved to tighten restrictions on interactions with foreign entities, approving a bill that could criminalize contact with foreign 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 law, collaboration with foreign universities and research institutions, communication with foreign embassies, and receiving financial support from abroad could be banned or require prior authorization. Violators could face prison sentences. Proponents claim the bill is a response to increased activities by foreign intelligence services, but critics argue its broad and unclear language blurs the line between legitimate contact and undue influence.

Sina Yousefi, an Iranian lawyer based in Germany, told Deutsche Welle (DW) that the law's ambiguity leaves interpretation to security institutions and courts. "When a citizen does not know whether talking to foreign media, cooperating with a foreign university, or sharing information later could be treated as a criminal offense, the law creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty," he said.

Iran already has one of the world's most repressive media environments. Reporters Without Borders ranks it 177th out of 180 countries on its 2026 World Press Freedom Index. The government controls all television and radio networks, bans foreign media from broadcasting, and frequently blocks internet and social media access during civil unrest. Access to information within Iran is described as "severely restricted," with journalists operating under pressure from state institutions.

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