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16 Aug 2026, 15:13

It has been announced that the generalities of this plan have been approved, and the published details [according to the "Ministry of Interior's Information Base"] have not yet been reviewed and approved:

The Islamic Consultative Assembly has approved a plan that, if it becomes law, criminalizes interviews and communication with foreign media, sending films and photos, scientific collaboration with certain universities abroad, and a number of cultural and educational activities.

The plan "Countering the Influence of Intelligence Services and Foreign Governments or Entities in the Country" was approved on Sunday, August 25, with 183 votes in favor in the parliament. According to the published text of the resolution, interviews, participation in discussions, or any communication with media that the government labels as "hostile" will be punishable by a sixth-degree imprisonment, equivalent to more than six months to two years in prison.

American, Israeli media, or media funded by these two countries are identified in this plan as examples of "hostile" media. The Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council will also be required to publish a list of these media annually.

Communication with other foreign media is also conditional on informing a system affiliated with the Ministry of Intelligence. Interviews not registered in advance in this system can lead to six months to two years in prison.

Sending films, photos, audio, and any data to non-Iranian media or individuals engaged in media activities abroad will also face the same penalties.

If the sending of information occurs in the context of collaboration with what is termed "intention to counter national security" or during "crisis, unrest, or chaos," the punishment will increase to a fifth-degree imprisonment, equivalent to two to five years in prison.

The text of the plan does not provide a specific definition of "communication," "hostile media," "crisis conditions," and "media activities abroad." The broadness of these terms could subject citizens' interactions with journalists and the sending of images of daily events to prosecution.

The Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Revolutionary Guard have been designated as the authorities for crimes under this resolution, and the handling of cases will take place in the Revolutionary Court.
Restrictions on Scientific and Educational Collaborations
The parliament's resolution also restricts collaboration with foreign universities, institutions, and organizations. The Ministry of Intelligence will be required to publish an annual list of authorized foreign centers for receiving scholarships, educational grants, signing contracts, and participating in scientific conferences.

Collaboration with centers not listed and sending medical, research, and archaeological samples to them will result in a punishment of six months to two years in prison.

Organizers of in-person or virtual courses, classes, and workshops deemed by the government to be "incompatible with Iranian culture" or held under the guidance of foreign entities may face a fifth-degree imprisonment, equivalent to two to five years in prison.

Some reports have indicated that the punishment for organizers of these courses could be five to ten years, but the published text of the resolution specifies fifth-degree imprisonment, which under Islamic Penal Code is between two to five years.

Individuals who participate in these courses with knowledge of the organizers' objectives may also face fines or six months to two years in prison.
New Restrictions for Artists
Activities such as producing or directing films, series, documentaries, and theater, as well as producing music and books, may be subject to penalties if connected with foreign entities and determined by security agencies.

The resolution mentions works that "question religious rulings," "depict a dark image of Iran," "promote anti-Islamic culture," or are produced with the intention of countering the Islamic Republic.

Producers, writers, and directors of these works may face fines, permanent disqualification from government services, or a lifelong ban on producing cultural and artistic works.

Terms like "dark image of Iran" and "incompatibility with Iranian culture" are also not defined in this plan, leaving their interpretation to security and judicial authorities.
@VahidHeadline
The channel of Mojtaba Khamenei posted this without directly referencing the issue:
🗒 It is necessary for the parliament's resolutions to have a direct and evident relationship with the main issues of the country and the needs of the people, and to be directed towards creating hope and building the future of the country. Society, above all, needs to see real signs of hope, a stable path, and a clear outlook for the future so that it can plan and move accordingly, and parliament representatives can make the Islamic Consultative Assembly a leading institution for creating hope through their positions, resolutions, and speeches.

✍️ Part of the message on the occasion of the anniversary of the opening of the first session of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the beginning of the third year of the twelfth parliament | 7/Khordad/1405"
📡 @VahidOnline

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