Iran parliament criminalizes interviews with hostile foreign media; faces Guardian Council review

Iran's parliament passed a bill criminalizing interviews with foreign media designated as hostile by the Intelligence Ministry, with penalties up to two years in prison, fines, and flogging. The bill passed 174-6 despite cabinet opposition and now awaits Guardian Council review, leaving its enactment uncertain. This escalates Iran's crackdown on dissent and foreign influence, potentially deterring international reporting and signaling a hardening of state policy.