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Valentine's Day has been banned in Iran, with authorities telling citizens to not support "decadent western culture".

Police officers have told business leaders that they are not to sell gifts or cards that would be typically exchanged between loved-up couples on February 14.

And restaurants and coffee shops were warned "to avoid any gatherings in which boys and girls exchange Valentine’s Day gifts".

The Iranian government, which has in the past also issued guidance on the kind of haircuts men should have to be good Muslims, even warns that those who take part in Valentine's Day will be prosecuted.

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State-run media announced this week: "Symbols of hearts, half-hearts, red roses, and any activities promoting this day are banned.

(Image: Getty)

"Authorities will take legal action against those who ignore the ban."

Last month, Iran banned the word "wine", and even said the names of "foreign animals" were banned.

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Any books published in the country must also be pre-approved by the Ministry of Culture.

(Image: Getty)

Mohammad Selgi, the Ministry of Culture's head of publishing, said: "When new books are registered with us, our staff first have to read them page by page to make sure whether they require any editorial changes in line with promoting the principles of the Islamic revolution, effectively confronting the Western cultural onslaught and censoring any insult against the prophets."