Iran approves bill targeting foreign media as tanker hit in Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Parliament has approved the general principles of a bill that could criminalize interviews or communications with media outlets from countries deemed ‘hostile,’ specifically targeting the United States and Israel. The proposed law carries penalties of six months to two years in prison for those engaging in such contact. The legislation also seeks to regulate communications with foreign embassies and non-Iranian organizations without Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorization, as well as unauthorized scientific cooperation.

Separately, a tanker was struck by an ‘unknown projectile’ in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire that has since been extinguished. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that all crew members are safe and no environmental impact was reported. This incident occurs amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington, and follows recent announcements from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard regarding security agreements with Oman concerning maritime traffic and revenue sharing in the strait.