Tehran, Iran - The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has banned western music from state radio and TV stations, it was announced today.
In a move reminiscent of the 1979 Islamic revolution, when popular music was outlawed, Mr Ahmadinejad - the head of the Supreme Cultural Revolutionary Council - ordered the implementation of a ruling prohibiting all forms of western music.
It means music including classical compositions will be barred from public service broadcast outlets, local media said. "Blocking indecent and western music from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting is required," a statement on the council's website said.
The move will silence the hip-hop that can frequently be heard blaring from car radios in Tehran's streets.
It means music including Rush, by Eric Clapton, and Hotel California, by the Eagles, both of which regularly accompany Iranian broadcasts, will be outlawed.
Earlier this month, Ali Rahbari, the conductor of Tehran's symphony orchestra, resigned and left Iran to protest against the treatment of the music industry the country.
In his farewell concerts, he played Beethoven's ninth symphony to near sellout crowds over several nights - the work's first performances in Tehran since 1979.
The concerts angered many conservatives, prompting newspaper columns that accused Mr Rahbari of promoting western values.
Music was outlawed soon after the 1979 revolution, and many musicians went abroad and built an Iranian music industry in Los Angeles.
However, as revolutionary fervour faded, some light classical music was allowed on Iranian radio and television, and limited public concerts were held in the late 80s.
In the 90s - particularly under the leadership of the reformist president Mohammad Khatami, who came to power in 1997 - authorities began relaxing restrictions further.
Currently, western music, films and clothing are widely available in Iran. Bootleg videos and DVDs of films banned by the state are on sale on the black market.
Mr Ahmadinejad's order means the state broadcasting authority must execute the decree and prepare a report on its implementation within six months, according to the IRAN Persian daily.
The ban applies to state-run radio and TV, but it seems Iranians with satellite dishes will still be able to receive broadcasts originating outside the country.
Mr Ahmadinejad took office in August on a platform of reverting to ultra-conservative principles following the eight years of reformist-led rule under Mr Khatami.
Since coming to power, he has caused international concern with his determination to continue Iran's nuclear weapon programme. He has also received severe criticism overseas for anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli comments.