Iran’s hardline parliament raises concerns with ‘foreign infiltration’ plan

A new regulatory framework announced by the government will require citizens and legal entities to obtain official permission before reaching out to universities or speaking with foreign media outlets. The measure, outlined in a draft decree released by the Ministry of Information, stipulates that any individual or organization wishing to engage in academic collaboration, research inquiries, or media interviews with overseas press must first submit a request to the designated authorization board, which will review each case for compliance with national security and public interest criteria.

The decree, which is slated for parliamentary debate next month, cites concerns over the potential leakage of sensitive information and the need to safeguard the country’s strategic interests. Proponents argue that the authorization process will provide a clear oversight mechanism, while critics warn that it could hinder academic freedom and limit the flow of information to the international community. If enacted, the rule will apply to all domestic entities, including NGOs, private firms, and individual scholars, marking a significant shift in how external communications are managed.