TEHRAN, Iran - Iranian authorities have closed down a business newspaper known for being critical of the government.

The Iranian state news agency on Monday said the Culture Ministry ordered the newspaper closed because its content strayed from the business field.

The Sarmayeh newspaper was known for articles critical of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's economic policies, which they say have impoverished the country.

A number of reformist newspapers and magazines have been closed down following the June's disputed presidential elections in which Ahmadinejad was reelected.

Many journalists were also sent to jail on the charge of fomenting post-election unrests.

Since 2000 more than 100 newspapers and periodicals were banned in Iran, mostly on security charges.