Iran criminalises interviews with Israeli media as parliament passes controversial law

Iran’s parliament has approved legislation that would make any interview with media outlets deemed hostile—including Israeli and American news organisations—a criminal offence. The new law will also apply to media outlets funded by either of the two countries, according to Reuters.

The timing of the parliamentary vote coincided with a sentencing that underscored the legislation’s severity. An Iranian photojournalist has been handed a 15-year prison sentence under charges that included giving interviews to media organisations classified as hostile under the new law, as well as sharing photographs with organisations linked to the United States and Israel.

The legislation represents a significant escalation in Iran’s restrictions on press freedom and foreign media engagement. The move effectively criminalises a fundamental journalistic activity—conducting interviews—and could have far-reaching implications for international reporters seeking to cover developments inside Iran. The law’s broad definition of “hostile” media is likely to encompass most mainstream Western news organisations that have reported critically on Iranian government policies.

The passage of the law reflects deepening tensions between Iran and the West, particularly in the context of ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional activities. By criminalising media engagement with foreign outlets, Tehran appears intent on controlling the narrative around such issues and limiting international scrutiny of its internal affairs.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.