Rouhani highlights culture as key to security

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said culture can bring security to the world beyond military power and diplomacy.

At the inaugural of Iran Press Show 2016 in Tehran, Rouhani said terrorists have found a footing in the Middle East because they were equipped with modern cultural rather than military tools, Trend reports citing IRIB news agency.

“Mosul fell in half a day because its population of 1.5 million had lost their attachment to Baghdad not because militarily the city was overwhelmed by terrorists,” he said.

He urged influential entities in Iran to allow freedom of expression to the media and not restrict them by taking them to court.