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Iranian military vows to uphold cultural norms

Iran’s military has called the breaking of cultural norms a national security threat and urges all government institutions to help it enforce the law.
EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

A member of the Iranian army air force looks up as other members of the air and land force pray during Friday prayers in Tehran February 10, 2012. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION MILITARY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTR2XM1P
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The armed forces of Iran has issued a statement stating the breaking of cultural norms in the country has become a national security threat and that they are ready to take action on the matter. The statement, which was mailed to news agencies, reflects a growing concern of conservative officials over the direction of President Hassan Rouhani’s cultural policies.

Culture Minister Ali Jannati has been engaged in a series of public disputes with conservative officials over his promotion of a more lax cultural policy, especially in regard to Internet censorship. The most recent comment came from Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, who leads the hard-line Endurance Front.

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