Iran Moves To Criminalize Unapproved Contact With Foreign Media
Early in the week of August 17, 2026, Iran's parliament passed a measure criminalizing unapproved contact with foreign media, embassies or institutions and imposing prison terms.[1]
Under the new measure, any contact with U.S. media entities, foreign embassies or institutions without written permission from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs could bring up to two years in prison.[1] The law applies even to contacts made from outside Iran.[1] The legislation also bans educational and research activities tied to foreign entities and allows prison terms of up to 10 years for activities judged "incompatible with Iranian culture." CBS News
The bill builds on already strict laws that bar sharing information with exiled and foreign-backed Persian-language outlets such as Iran International, VOA Farsi and BBC Farsi.[1] An adviser to a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officer said the law aims to counter alleged interference by foreign intelligence agencies including Mossad, the CIA and MI6.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Early in the week of August 17, 2026, Iran's parliament passed a resolution increasing punishments for Iranians who interact with foreign media, organizations or individuals.
- Under the measure, any contact with U.S. media entities, foreign embassies or institutions without written permission from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs could bring up to two years in prison, even if made from outside Iran.
- The legislation also bans educational and research activities tied to foreign entities and allows prison terms of up to 10 years for activities judged "incompatible with Iranian culture."
- The bill builds on already strict laws against sharing information with exiled and foreign-backed Persian-language outlets such as Iran International, VOA Farsi and BBC Farsi.
- An adviser to a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officer told CBS News the law is intended to counter alleged interference by foreign intelligence agencies including Mossad, the CIA and MI6.
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