The coronavirus is hitting Iran hard: its 107 deaths (as of 6 March) rank third globally behind China and Italy and are by far the most in the Middle East. Moreover, it has swept through the political class, with several high-ranking officials diagnosed with the virus – most notably the deputy health minister. Regional countries have suspended flights and closed borders.
Weakened by years of economic sanctions and mismanagement, experts doubt the country’s health sector can stem the tide, suggesting the number of both cases and fatalities will continue to grow. (CONTINUED - 181 WORDS)
