Iran - epicenter of coronavirus infection in the Middle East

(Patria) – 9 out of 10 cases of coronavirus infection in the Middle East come from Iran.

Iran on Tuesday issued its most dramatic warning to date, suggesting that 'millions' of its citizens could die from the virus if they ignore travel bans and health guidelines.

The warning came from a television journalist who is also a doctor, a few hours after hardline Shiite religious followers violated assembly bans and forcibly entered the courtyards of two major religious sites, the shrines of Imam Mashhad Reza and Qom Fatime Masumeh, which have been closed due to the virus, and which are usually visited 24 hours a day for prayer, during which believers touch and kiss religious objects. The religious sites have been closed since Monday, which agitated believers and led to violent demonstrations that were broken up by police forces.

Shiite shrines in Iran attract visitors from all over the region, which has certainly contributed to the spread of the virus in the Middle East.

After days of denying the epidemic and the crisis, which contributed to the rapid spread of infection, Iranian authorities are now openly talking about the epidemic, implementing necessary measures. The Iranian Supreme Leader issued a religious decree prohibiting 'non-essential' travel. Checks are also being carried out on people leaving major cities before the upcoming Persian New Year, called Nowruz, but cities are not being closed.

The number of deaths in Iran increased by 13% on Tuesday, bringing the total to 988 out of a total of 16,000 infected.

If Iranians do not adhere to the guidelines, the already overburdened health system could collapse. In that case, a larger number of people will die, according to local experts. The public is urged to stay home, but many are not following the guidelines.

In an effort to prevent the spread of the virus, Iran has temporarily released 85,000 prisoners. Western countries are calling on Iran to release prisoners with dual citizenship and all those it holds hostage in political negotiations, Middle Eastern media report.