All media in Iran has been banned from running adverts for products made in the USA

"Based on a government order, publicity for any US goods from now on is forbidden in all the media," a report by the country's state-owned broadcaster said.

The BBC World Service's Persian service described the move as a "symbolic gesture" .

There are very few US consumer goods for sale in Iran, according to the service.

Limited trade

The government was spurred into action by a recommendation made by a non-government body, the Society for Defending Palestine.

The Culture Ministry has been given the task of implementing the ban.

Iran's government consistently criticises the US for its support for Israel.

Iran does not recognise the Jewish state and it does not allow imports from Israel.

Hard-line religious leaders have called for a ban for months due to a sharp and steady increase in adverts for the few US products that are there.

Trade between the USA and Iran is limited and only takes place unofficially.

The US is still maintaining sanctions that were imposed after militant students took over the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979.

The two countries have no formal relations.