Bangladesh, Aug. 19 -- Iranian authorities are moving toward a sweeping new restriction on contact with foreign media, raising fresh concerns that the government is seeking to isolate the country from independent scrutiny and make it increasingly difficult for information about repression to reach the outside world.

Irans parliament has approved the general framework of a bill that would criminalize communication with foreign media outlets designated by the authorities as “hostile.” The proposed legislation would prohibit citizens from providing interviews, communicating with certain international news organizations or sharing information with them. Those convicted could face prison sentences ranging from six months to two ye...