# Iran national security and legal reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iran-national-security-and-legal-reforms > Updated: 2026-08-19T01:17:01.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 3. The Iranian government has introduced legislative measures to strengthen national security and curb external influence. This includes amending the criminal code to permit the death penalty for specific cybercrimes, such as organized digital fraud and cryptocurrency scams. Parliament has approved the general principles of the ‘Foreign Influence Counteraction Bill’, which targets communications with media outlets deemed ‘hostile’ or ‘subversive’ to the Islamic Republic, specifically those from the United States and Israel. Under this law, participating in interviews or discussions with these outlets could result in prison sentences of six months to two years. For other foreign media, individuals must notify the intelligence ministry before any interaction. The legislation also imposes penalties for unauthorized contact with foreign embassies or international organizations, including fines and the loss of social rights. Furthermore, it introduces harsher penalties for economic crimes directed by foreign powers and restricts scientific cooperation to state-approved foreign institutions. Violations involving policy or legislative proposals made under the direction of foreign intelligence could result in prison terms of up to 30 years. These cases would be adjudicated by Revolutionary Courts. Human rights observers have noted that the legislation reflects a commitment to ‘institutionalizing structural repression and severing information flows’. Parallel to these legislative shifts, reports indicate an increase in the execution of political prisoners, with data suggesting 28 executions so far this year. Additionally, the Basij militia is reportedly being restructured into an intelligence network to assist the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in managing domestic dissent. The bill awaits formal review by the Guardian Council. ## Claims - The Iranian parliament approved a bill to criminalize communications with media deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Violations involving interviews with hostile media would be punishable by six months to two years in prison. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Legislative proposals made under the direction of foreign intelligence services that harm Iran’s security could face up to 30 years in prison. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Interviews with foreign media not deemed hostile would require notification to the intelligence ministry. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The bill must undergo review by the Guardian Council before it can officially become law. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The legislation would restrict scientific cooperation with foreign institutions to an approved list. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Legal cases regarding these violations would be heard by Revolutionary Courts. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced to 15 years in prison under a previous law regarding cooperation with hostile states. (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-19: Iran Parliament approves bill to criminalize contact with foreign media Iran's parliament has approved the outlines of a bill to criminalize communication with ‘hostile’ foreign media and restrict international cooperation, amid rising reports of political prisoner executions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-parliament-approves-bill-to-criminalize-contact-with-foreign-media ### 2026-08-16: Iran parliament approves bill criminalizing 'hostile' media communications Iran's parliament has approved a bill to criminalize communications with 'hostile' media, including US and Israeli outlets, with potential prison terms of up to two years for violators. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-parliament-approves-bill-criminalizing-interviews-with-hostile-media ### 2026-08-03: Iran imposes death penalty for certain cybercrimes Iran has introduced a law allowing the death penalty for those who commit or force others into certain cybercrimes, aiming to curb digital fraud but drawing human‑rights criticism. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-imposes-death-penalty-for-certain-cybercrimes --- Cite as: Iran national security and legal reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iran-national-security-and-legal-reforms