On 16 August, the Iranian Parliament considered a bill criminalising interviews and other contact with foreign media outlets deemed ‘hostile’ by the authorities; offenders face up to two years’ imprisonment. This was reported by Radio Free Europe’s Iranian service.
The measure was approved by 183 out of 290 lawmakers. Among other things, the bill prohibits interviews, participation in discussions or other communication with media outlets described as American or Israeli, or those funded by the United States or Israel.
Violations are punishable by imprisonment for a term of between six months and two years.
The bill also criminalises the sending of videos, photographs, audio recordings or other data to non-Iranian media outlets or individuals engaged in media activities outside the country.
Contact with other foreign media outlets will require prior notification to the Ministry of Intelligence via a government system, which will effectively require Iranians to inform the authorities before giving interviews.
Iran has already imposed significant restrictions on independent journalism and access to information. Reporters Without Borders ranks the country 177th out of 180 in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, citing arrests, surveillance, persecution, censorship and harsh prison sentences directed against journalists.