The Iranian parliament (Majles) is currently advancing a new bill aimed at “combating infiltration by foreign intelligence services, governments, and institutions.” The bill’s general principles have already been approved by a majority of 183 Majles members, and its individual clauses are now under discussion. Its initiators present it as a response to security breaches exposed in recent years, particularly during the war. Critics, however, warn that it is a far-reaching measure that could criminalize routine, legitimate contact with entities outside Iran.
The text of the bill imposes oversight across a wide range of fields including science, economics, media, culture, and the arts. Among other measures, it could require prior approval for maintaining contact with foreign embassies, diplomats, media outlets, universities, and international institutions, as well as for participating in conferences or publishing academic papers abroad. Furthermore, the bill grants broad authority in interpreting and enforcing the law to security and intelligence bodies, primarily the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from within the government, academia, and the cultural community. Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that it could deal a severe blow to science and technology, while Culture Minister Abbas Salehi cautioned against “self-imposed sanctions” that would severely harm Iran’s cultural and scientific activity and close the door to cultural, artistic, and scientific ties with foreign countries. Critics have further warned that passing the bill would exacerbate social tensions precisely when de-escalation is needed. Legal experts argue that the proposal violates freedoms guaranteed by the constitution, the Freedom of Information Law, and protections for whistleblowers. One opponent of the legislation warned that if Iran securitizes its economy, culture, and education, it will turn into North Korea.
The debate surrounding the bill is tied to a broader process of securitization in Iran that has intensified in the wake of the war, the wave of protests in late December 2025 and early January 2026, and fears of renewed unrest driven by the worsening economic crisis. The appointment of Hossein Taeb as commander of the Basij, after years at the helm of the IRGC Intelligence Organization, is a clear manifestation of this. His appointment directive emphasizes expanding the “popular intelligence network,” employing new technologies, and deepening activity within neighborhoods, mosques, and various social groups. Alongside the proposed legislation, a broader approach is taking shape that seeks to further blur the lines between national security, political surveillance, and social control, while expanding the presence of security apparatuses in citizens’ daily lives.
The Iranian parliament (Majles) is currently advancing a new bill aimed at “combating infiltration by foreign intelligence services, governments, and institutions.” The bill’s general principles have already been approved by a majority of 183 Majles members, and its individual clauses are now under discussion. Its initiators present it as a response to security breaches exposed in recent years, particularly during the war. Critics, however, warn that it is a far-reaching measure that could criminalize routine, legitimate contact with entities outside Iran.
The text of the bill imposes oversight across a wide range of fields including science, economics, media, culture, and the arts. Among other measures, it could require prior approval for maintaining contact with foreign embassies, diplomats, media outlets, universities, and international institutions, as well as for participating in conferences or publishing academic papers abroad. Furthermore, the bill grants broad authority in interpreting and enforcing the law to security and intelligence bodies, primarily the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from within the government, academia, and the cultural community. Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that it could deal a severe blow to science and technology, while Culture Minister Abbas Salehi cautioned against “self-imposed sanctions” that would severely harm Iran’s cultural and scientific activity and close the door to cultural, artistic, and scientific ties with foreign countries. Critics have further warned that passing the bill would exacerbate social tensions precisely when de-escalation is needed. Legal experts argue that the proposal violates freedoms guaranteed by the constitution, the Freedom of Information Law, and protections for whistleblowers. One opponent of the legislation warned that if Iran securitizes its economy, culture, and education, it will turn into North Korea.
The debate surrounding the bill is tied to a broader process of securitization in Iran that has intensified in the wake of the war, the wave of protests in late December 2025 and early January 2026, and fears of renewed unrest driven by the worsening economic crisis. The appointment of Hossein Taeb as commander of the Basij, after years at the helm of the IRGC Intelligence Organization, is a clear manifestation of this. His appointment directive emphasizes expanding the “popular intelligence network,” employing new technologies, and deepening activity within neighborhoods, mosques, and various social groups. Alongside the proposed legislation, a broader approach is taking shape that seeks to further blur the lines between national security, political surveillance, and social control, while expanding the presence of security apparatuses in citizens’ daily lives.