(AKI) - Iranian authorities have announced they intend to launch an Islamic internet to counter the influence of the US-dominated World Wide Web.

"Iran will soon create an internet that conforms to Islamic principles, to improve its communication and trade links with the world," the head of economic affairs with the Iranian presidency, told state news agency Irna in an interview.

Ali Aqamohammadi explained that Iran's new network will operate in parallel to the World Wide Web and will replace it in Muslim countries in the region.

"We can describe it as a genuinely 'halal' network aimed at Muslims on a ethical and moral level.

"The aim of this network is to increase Iran and the Farsi language's presence in what has become the most important source of international communication," Aqamohammadi said.