Iran set to impose longer prison terms for any contact with foreign media
Iranians could soon face up to two years in prison for daring to communicate in any way with a foreign news outlet, embassy or institution.
Iran's parliament has proposed extending prison terms for any interaction with foreign media or entities, potentially imposing up to two years in jail for contact with U.S. media, embassies, or institutions. This legislation also bans educational and research activities linked to foreign entities, with possible 10-year sentences.
The new laws follow Israel's 2025 war, during which Iran detained and executed individuals suspected of sending videos to foreign entities. Ayatollah Khamenei's hard-line leadership is leading the country toward North Koreanization, making it increasingly isolated. Many Iranians are worried about the implications of these restrictions, with some switching to domestic messaging apps to avoid monitoring.
The legislation aims to strengthen Iran's internal security and protect against foreign influence, according to a scholar advising the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
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