Iran's parliament approved two significant measures today that further restrict contact with the West and incentivize hostility toward Americans, according to senior officials in the Iranian decision-making apparatus.
The first measure criminalizes Iranian citizens from giving interviews to what the regime deems "hostile" media. Under the new law, any contact with American or Israeli media outlets constitutes a serious criminal offense. The legislation does not specify which outlets are considered approved for interviews.
The second measure establishes a military fund offering substantial financial incentives for capturing American personnel. Any Iranian citizen who successfully captures or facilitates the capture of American soldiers or officials will receive $30,000—equivalent to 5 billion Iranian rials, a massive sum in the local currency where the economy has been severely weakened by international sanctions and inflation. The announcement did not clarify whether this applies to American military personnel operating in the region or extends to any Americans on Iranian soil.
