Iran’s Regime Tightens Grip with Harsh New Espionage Law

Staff WriterJuly 1, 2025
Iran’s Regime Tightens Grip with Harsh New Espionage Law
Paramilitary Basij forces parade through the streets of Semnan, central Iran, in a public show of force aimed at intimidation — November 2020

Paramilitary Basij forces parade through the streets of Semnan, central Iran, in a public show of force aimed at intimidation — November 2020
Written by
Amir Taghati

In a sweeping escalation of its repressive apparatus, the Iranian regime has passed a new law dramatically expanding the scope of what can be considered espionage and collaboration with so-called “hostile states”—chief among them, Israel. The bill, officially titled the “Plan to Intensify Punishment for Spies and Collaborators with the Zionist Regime and Hostile Countries,” was approved by the regime’s parliament on June 23 and its details were published on June 29.

This law, consisting of nine clauses, redefines espionage in extremely broad terms. According to the resolution, any “intelligence, espionage, and operational activity” for Israel or other “hostile states” is categorized as corruption on earth—a charge that carries the death penalty under Iran’s penal code.

Criminalizing Dissent and Information Sharing
Clause after clause of the bill reveals a legal architecture designed not merely to punish spies, but to suppress dissent, control information, and tighten the regime’s grip on society. Political, cultural, and even media activity can now fall under the category of national security crimes if they are perceived to cause “public fear,” “division,” or “harm to national security.”

The law explicitly criminalizes:

Exaggerating losses or spreading false news.
Sending images or videos to foreign media outlets.
Participating in unauthorized gatherings, especially during wartime.
Engaging in online discourse considered sympathetic to “hostile states.”
Under this framework, even commenting on social media about internal crises or sending footage of protests can be punished by death.

In an alarming move, the law also includes retroactive provisions: it applies not only to future actions but also to past behaviors unless perpetrators voluntarily report themselves to authorities within three days.

Crackdown on Starlink and Satellite Internet
Clause 5 of the bill focuses on electronic communications, explicitly banning the use, sale, transport, or import of devices such as Starlink terminals. Possession or use of these systems is punishable by six months to two years imprisonment and confiscation of the equipment. Those involved in the supply or distribution of more than ten such devices or who act with the intent of “opposing the system” face five to ten years in prison.

While the 1994 law already banned satellite television receivers, there had been legal ambiguity regarding whether it extended to satellite internet. This new legislation removes all doubt, making it explicitly illegal.

Expansion of Drone Regulations
Alongside its new espionage legislation, the regime’s parliament has also advanced a separate bill to expand state control over remotely piloted aircraft. This regulation, approved earlier this year, brings all civilian and non-military drones under direct oversight of national security institutions. The Supreme National Security Council has been tasked with supervising the law’s implementation, particularly in sensitive regions.

Under the new framework, unauthorized drone flights over military or security zones are explicitly banned. In the provinces of Tehran and Alborz, drone activity now falls under the authority of the IRGC’s Sarallah headquarters, the main internal security command in the capital region.

Although the bill does not detail licensing procedures, ownership, import, export, and operation of drones without state-issued certification may be treated as smuggling or a national security violation. The law also criminalizes the use or transfer of drones for espionage, sabotage, or cooperation with hostile states, including Israel and the United States—offenses punishable under Article 286 of the penal code as “corruption on Earth.”

Claims of mandatory security clearances or Ministry of Defense approval for all drone production have not appeared in public legal texts but may be applied under classified directives or parallel security policies.

Surge in Arrests and Executions
This tightening of laws comes amid growing internal paranoia within the regime following a string of strikes that reportedly killed several of its senior commanders. In the aftermath, accusations of collaboration with Israel have surfaced even among government officials. This internal distrust is now spilling over into a broader crackdown.

State-affiliated media and security agencies report the arrest of more than 700 people in recent days on charges including espionage, collaboration with Israel, and “disturbing public opinion.” In many cities, people have been detained simply for following foreign-linked social media accounts.

The Judiciary’s Social Affairs Office has sent text messages warning that following pages “affiliated with the Zionist regime” is now a criminal offense. Simultaneously, dozens of hasty executions have been reported, raising concerns among international observers.

Alarming Warnings from Human Rights Organizations
Human rights groups have condemned the new measures, warning that many of the recent trials are conducted without due process, often lasting only minutes. The United Nations Special Rapporteur has expressed concern over the disproportionate rise in executions and the growing number of political prisoners.

Observers argue that these laws are not aimed at confronting foreign threats but are part of a broader campaign to quash domestic dissent, silence critics, and prevent the free flow of information. The regime, facing a deepening legitimacy crisis, appears increasingly reliant on fear and violence to maintain control.

A Path to Collapse?
Many analysts believe the regime’s aggressive approach could backfire. Rather than restoring lost authority, these draconian laws and sweeping arrests will only further alienate the population. The criminalization of speech, protest, and internet usage risks igniting a new wave of unrest.

Ultimately, while the regime claims to be fighting “enemy infiltration,” its actions reveal an internal crisis of legitimacy. The intensification of surveillance, suppression, and legal authoritarianism may very well accelerate the very collapse the regime is trying to prevent.

Staff WriterJuly 1, 2025
Arab-Islamic Committee in Defence of Ashraf
Back to top button