Iranian parliament advances bill to curb foreign influence

Iran's parliament has taken a significant step toward tightening control over foreign influence by approving the general principles of a new bill. This legislation aims to criminalize interviews and other forms of communication with media outlets considered hostile to the Islamic Republic, including those linked to the U.S. or Israel.

Osman Salari, a member of the parliamentary judicial and legal commission, indicated that the specific provisions are still under debate. However, the core intent is clear: to counter foreign intelligence operations. Under the proposed law, individuals engaging in interviews or discussions with designated hostile media could face prison sentences ranging from six months to two years.

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The individual provisions of the bill, which is aimed at countering foreign intelligence influence, have yet to be debated and approved.

Beyond media interactions, the bill broadens its scope to encompass various forms of foreign engagement. It mandates that interviews with other foreign media outlets require notification to the intelligence ministry. Furthermore, contact with foreign embassies, international organizations, or non-Iranian institutions without prior permission from the foreign ministry could lead to fines and the loss of certain social rights.

The legislation also targets economic activities, proposing harsher penalties for financial crimes orchestrated by foreigners. It would ban the provision of information to foreign entities without intelligence ministry approval and restrict scientific collaborations with foreign institutions not on an approved list. Cases falling under this bill would be handled by Revolutionary Courts, reflecting the government's emphasis on national security.

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Reports about the bill’s details should not yet be considered final.