COVID-19 pandemic in Iran

On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, HuBei province, China, that had been reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center |title=Novel Coronavirus Information Center |website=Elsevier |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130171622/https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center|archive-date=30 January 2020|access-date=15 March 2020}}{{cite magazine |last=Reynolds |first=Matt |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus |title=What is coronavirus and how close is it to becoming a pandemic? |date=4 March 2020 |magazine=Wired UK|access-date=5 March 2020 |issn=1357-0978|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305104806/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus|archive-date=5 March 2020|url-status=live}}

The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than that for SARS in 2003,{{cite web |url= https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/196137/crunching-numbers-coronavirus/ |title=Crunching the numbers for coronavirus |website=Imperial News|date=13 March 2020 |access-date=15 March 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200319084913/https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/196137/crunching-numbers-coronavirus/|archive-date=19 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid |title=High consequence infectious diseases (HCID); Guidance and information about high consequence infectious diseases and their management in England |website=GOV.UK |language=en|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200303051938/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid|archive-date=3 March 2020|access-date=17 March 2020}} but the transmission has been much greater, creating a higher total death toll.{{cite web |url= https://www.wfsahq.org/resources/coronavirus |title=World Federation Of Societies of Anaesthesiologists – Coronavirus |website=wfsahq.org|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200312233527/https://www.wfsahq.org/resources/coronavirus|archive-date=12 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Iran medical cases chart}}

{{anchor|COVID chart}}

According to physicians who spoke with American journalist Dexter Filkins and who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, possibly the first case of Covid in Iran was in December in the city of Gorgan. The physicians complained to Filkins that in the coming weeks as the cases mounted and many of the patients started dying, hospital officials told staff "to keep quiet. 'We were given special instructions not to release any statistics on infection and death rates.'" Staff were "ordered not to wear masks or protective clothing. 'The aim was to prevent fear in the society, even if it meant high casualties among the medical staff.'" Officials were afraid fear of the pandemic would reduce voter turnout for the 21 February parliamentary election which would encourage "counterrevolutionaries". On 19 February, two days before the election, the deaths of two Iranians from the pandemic was made public, which meant, according to Iranian journalists Filkins talked to, "we reported deaths before we even reported any infections." By this time there were "hundreds" of ill patients in the hospital in Gorgan, and so many deaths "that a local cemetery hired a backhoe to dig graves".

On 19 February, two people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the city of Qom. Later that day, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) stated that both had died. It was reported that the two cases had been triggered by a merchant with a travel history to Wuhan.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/coronavirus-stats-numbers-cases-wuhan-covid-19-a9439436.html|title=From Wuhan to the rest of the world: Numbers that reveal how Covid-19 hit 1m global infections|first=Andrew|last=Buncombe|work=The Independent|date=25 April 2020|access-date=11 April 2021}} On 20 February, three new cases were reported by the MOHME. Two of them were from Qom and one from Arak. On 21 February 2 deaths and 13 new cases were reported; seven cases were from Qom, four from Tehran, and two from Gilan province. On 22 February, the MOHME reported 10 more infected cases, bringing the total to 29, and two more deaths, bringing the total to eight. Eight of the new cases were from Qom and two from Tehran.

On 23 February, Health Minister Saeed Namaki said that one of those who died was a merchant from Qom who travelled regularly using indirect flights between China and Iran after direct flights were suspended between the two countries, and may have brought the virus from China.{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-s-health-minister-says-virus-came-from-china-travel/30449759.html |title=Iran's Health Minister Says Virus Came From China Travel |date=23 February 2020 |work=Radio Farda |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224162650/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-s-health-minister-says-virus-came-from-china-travel/30449759.html |archive-date=24 February 2020 |url-status=live }}

On 25 February, the Iranian government first told citizens that the U.S. had "hyped COVID-19 to suppress turnout" during elections, and that it would "punish anyone spreading rumors about a serious epidemic."{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/irans-coronavirus-problem-lot-worse-it-seems/607663/|title=Iran Has Far More Coronavirus Cases Than It Is Letting On|website=The Atlantic|date=9 March 2020|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309232036/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/irans-coronavirus-problem-lot-worse-it-seems/607663/|archive-date=9 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-iran-struggles-contain-outbreak-how-why-photos-2020-3?IR=T#supreme-leader-ali-khamenei-has-also-been-pictured-wearing-disposable-gloves-during-a-speech-an-apparent-health-measure-that-he-hadnt-appeared-to-take-before-7|title=From silencing medics to banning 'rumors': Here's why Iran is struggling to contain its coronavirus outbreak|website=Business Insider|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315080511/https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-iran-struggles-contain-outbreak-how-why-photos-2020-3?IR=T#supreme-leader-ali-khamenei-has-also-been-pictured-wearing-disposable-gloves-during-a-speech-an-apparent-health-measure-that-he-hadnt-appeared-to-take-before-7|archive-date=15 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/iran-to-sentence-citizens-who-spreads-rumors-about-coronavirus-to-flogging-three-years-in-prison/|title=Iran to Sentence Citizens Who 'Spreads Rumors' about Coronavirus to Flogging, Three Years in Prison|website=National Review|date=26 February 2020|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310160903/https://www.nationalreview.com/news/iran-to-sentence-citizens-who-spreads-rumors-about-coronavirus-to-flogging-three-years-in-prison/|archive-date=10 March 2020|url-status=live}} A closed parliamentary session including Namaki and Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani was held. Body temperatures were tested prior to the meeting and three members of parliament, including Farahani, were requested to excuse themselves from the session and self-quarantine. All three attended the session. Farahani later spoke with journalists and gave television interviews wearing a mask and pair of gloves.{{cite news|url= https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/02/24/Iranian-MP-50-dead-from-coronavirus-in-Qom-Health-Minister-to-blame-ILNA.html |title=About 50 dead from coronavirus in Qom, Health Minister to blame: Iran MP on ILNA |date= 25 February 2020 |publisher=Al Arabiya |access-date=25 February 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200225132649/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/02/24/Iranian-MP-50-dead-from-coronavirus-in-Qom-Health-Minister-to-blame-ILNA.html |archive-date= 25 February 2020 |url-status=live}} The MOHME reported that there were 593 confirmed cases and 43 deaths as of 29 February.{{cite news |url=https://en.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13981207000699 |title=Health Ministry Raises Number of Coronavirus-Infected People in Iran to 139, Fatalities to 19 | date=26 February 2020|agency=FARS News Agency}}{{cite web |script-title=fa:شناسایی 106 بیمار جدید کووید19 در کشور |url=http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=54782&newsview=199991 |website=behdasht.gov |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227163707/http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=54782&newsview=199991 |archive-date=27 February 2020 }}{{cite web |url=http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=55373&newsview=200039 |script-title=fa:وزارت بهداشت، درمان و آموزش پزشكي |website=behdasht.gov.ir |access-date=8 March 2020 |archive-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218160716/http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1 |url-status=dead }}

File:3408162 بخش ویژه کرونا در بیمارستان هاجر.jpg]]

File:COVID-19-Iran-log.svg. Daily increments are shown as dotted lines.]]

On 1 March, the MOHME reported 385 new confirmed cases, 11 new deaths, and 52 more people who had recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 175. On 11 March, the MOHME reported 9,000 new confirmed cases, 354 deaths,{{cite web|url=http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=55373&newsview=200188|script-title=fa:وزارت بهداشت، درمان و آموزش پزشكي|website=behdasht.gov.ir|access-date=8 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303001521/http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=55373&newsview=200188|archive-date=3 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=55373&newsview=200252|script-title=fa:وزارت بهداشت، درمان و آموزش پزشكي|website=behdasht.gov.ir|access-date=8 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310050601/http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=55373&newsview=200252|archive-date=10 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=55373&newsview=200306|script-title=fa:وزارت بهداشت، درمان و آموزش پزشكي|website=behdasht.gov.ir|access-date=8 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1&fkeyid=&siteid=1&pageid=55373&newsview=200330|script-title=fa:وزارت بهداشت، درمان و آموزش پزشكي|website=behdasht.gov.ir|access-date=8 March 2020|archive-date=18 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218160716/http://behdasht.gov.ir/index.jsp?siteid=1|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://ifpnews.com/coronavirus-kills-record-breaking-number-of-iranians-in-24-hours |title=Coronavirus Kills Record-Breaking Number of Iranians in 24 Hours |website=IFP News |date=10 March 2020 |access-date=11 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311155042/https://ifpnews.com/coronavirus-kills-record-breaking-number-of-iranians-in-24-hours |archive-date=11 March 2020 |url-status=live }} and a total of 2,959 patients that had recovered. President Hassan Rouhani took the chair of the national taskforce on combating the outbreak, replacing the Health Minister at the request of lawmakers.{{cite news|url=https://ifpnews.com/rouhani-to-chair-irans-taskforce-on-combatting-coronavirus|title=Rouhani to Chair Iran's Taskforce on Combatting Coronavirus|website=IFP News|date=11 March 2020|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312175854/https://ifpnews.com/rouhani-to-chair-irans-taskforce-on-combatting-coronavirus|archive-date=12 March 2020|url-status=live}}

File:13981225000552637198764368440415 هشدارهای «کرونایی» در شهر.jpg wearing facemasks next to a closed market]]

On 12 March, the MOHME reported 1,075 more new confirmed cases and 75 new deaths. They also reported that 3,276 people had recovered. Iran requested an emergency loan of US$5 billion from the International Monetary Fund for the first time since the Iranian Revolution to help combat the outbreak.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/12/iran-request-5-billion-emergency-loan-international-monetary/ |title=Iran requests $5 billion emergency loan from International Monetary Fund to fight coronavirus pandemic |first=Roland |last=Oliphant |date=12 March 2020 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314013011/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/12/iran-request-5-billion-emergency-loan-international-monetary/ |archive-date=14 March 2020 |url-status=live }} (Previously the IMF had been described by the Islamic Republic as "a tool of U.S. hegemony".) However, the United States government opposed this request, according to Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/dangerous-coronavirus-iranian-admiral-200406064200587.html |title='Trump more dangerous than coronavirus': Iranian admiral |publisher= Al Jazeera|date=6 April 2020 }} On 17 March, the MOHME reported 1,178 more new confirmed cases, 135 new deaths, and 5,389 people who had recovered in total. Sharif University of Technology published a study about possible outcomes of the pandemic. Three scenarios were announced: if people cooperated immediately, Iran would see 120,000 infections and 12,000 deaths before the outbreak was over; if there was a medium amount of cooperation, there would be 300,000 cases and 110,000 deaths; and if people did not follow any guidance, it could collapse Iran's already strained medical system and there would be 4 million cases and 3.5 million deaths.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/6e92d93551ee6c6ae51d0acaaad9eb32|title=Iran warns virus could kill 'millions' in Islamic Republic|date=17 March 2020|website=AP NEWS|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318132446/https://apnews.com/6e92d93551ee6c6ae51d0acaaad9eb32|archive-date=18 March 2020|url-status=live}} On 19 March, the MOHME reported 18,407 total confirmed cases and 1,284 deaths.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

On 20 March, 1,237 new infections and 149 deaths were reported.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-idUSKBN2171DR|title=Iran coronavirus death toll jumps 149 to 1,433: health ministry |work=Reuters|date=20 March 2020|access-date=11 April 2021}} On 24 March, a new peak of 1,762 new cases was announced with 122 deaths. Rouhani said that the number of patients admitted to hospitals in different provinces as well as deaths due to the virus had decreased, which he took to be promising.{{cite news |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/446297/Rouhani-claims-number-of-coronavirus-patients-deaths-decreasing |title=Rouhani claims number of coronavirus patients, deaths decreasing |date=24 March 2020 |work=Tehran Times |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328140136/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/446297/Rouhani-claims-number-of-coronavirus-patients-deaths-decreasing |archive-date=28 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Iran accused Médecins Sans Frontières of being spies, and a team they had sent to Iran to help had been ordered to leave the country.{{cite news |url=https://www.msf.org/msf-surprised-iran-put-stop-our-covid-19-response |title=MSF 'deeply surprised' that Iranian authorities put a stop to our COVID-19 response |date=25 March 2020 |work=Medecins Sans Frontieres |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327131927/https://www.msf.org/msf-surprised-iran-put-stop-our-covid-19-response |archive-date=27 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-rejects-foreign-virus-death-toll-nears-2000-200324202829056.html |title=Iran rejects 'foreign' help as virus death toll nears 2,000 |date=24 March 2020 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330011513/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-rejects-foreign-virus-death-toll-nears-2000-200324202829056.html |archive-date=30 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

On 25 March, with new cases surpassing 2,000 for the first time, the government warned of a "second wave" of infection.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-52039298 |title=Coronavirus: Iran bans internal travel to avert 'second wave' |date=25 March 2020 |publisher=BBC |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327191650/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-52039298 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 26 March, the MOHME announced that 2,389 more people had become infected, with 157 new deaths.{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-toll/irans-death-toll-from-coronavirus-climbs-to-2234-ministry-idUSKBN21D18F |title= Iran's death toll from coronavirus climbs to 2,234: ministry |work= Reuters |date= 26 March 2020 |access-date= 27 March 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200327130147/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-toll/irans-death-toll-from-coronavirus-climbs-to-2234-ministry-idUSKBN21D18F |archive-date= 27 March 2020 |url-status= live }} On 27 March, daily new cases had increased to 2,926 with 144 deaths.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/27/world/middleeast/27reuters-health-coronavirus-iran.html|title=Iran's Death Toll From Coronavirus Rises to 2,378: Health Ministry|date=27 March 2020|agency=Reuters|work=The New York Times|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327132735/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/27/world/middleeast/27reuters-health-coronavirus-iran.html|archive-date=27 March 2020|url-status=live}}

On 28 March, the number of new cases exceeded 3,000 for the first time (3,076), with 139 new deaths.{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/iran-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-2-517/1783000 |title=Iran: Coronavirus death toll rises to 2,517first=Ahmet |last=Dursun |date=28 March 2020 |publisher=Analou Agency |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328101714/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/iran-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-2-517/1783000 |archive-date=28 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 29 March, 2,901 new cases and 123 new deaths were announced.{{cite news|url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83731895/Official-12-391-COVID19-infected-patients-recovered-in-Iran|title=Official: 12,391 COVID19-infected patients recovered in Iran|agency=Islamic Republic News Agency|date=29 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329110432/https://en.irna.ir/news/83731895/Official-12-391-COVID19-infected-patients-recovered-in-Iran|archive-date=29 March 2020|url-status=live}} Rouhani defended his government's response to the crisis and said that, according to health experts and doctors in Iran, "in some provinces, we have passed the peak [of the epidemic] and are on a downward trajectory".{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-coronavirus-deaths-rise-rouhani-hits-criticism-200329113250455.html |title=As Iran coronavirus deaths rise, Rouhani hits back at criticism |date=29 March 2020 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=29 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329150548/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-coronavirus-deaths-rise-rouhani-hits-criticism-200329113250455.html |archive-date=29 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 2 April, Rouhani warned that the country might have to fight the pandemic for another year. On that day, 3,111 new infections raised Iran's total to 50,468, and 124 new deaths brought the total to 3,160, while 16,711 of those hospitalised had recovered.[https://news.yahoo.com/iran-warns-months-crisis-virus-deaths-reach-3-111855260.html Iran warns of months of crisis as virus deaths reach 3,160] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403213056/https://news.yahoo.com/iran-warns-months-crisis-virus-deaths-reach-3-111855260.html |date=3 April 2020 }} AFP, 2 April 2020

On 4 April, Iran announced the highest number of daily deaths so far, with 158 people having died the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths to 3,452. The total number of cases had reached 55,743. Iranian officials had expressed concerns that many had ignored rules to stay indoors and cancel travel plans.{{cite news |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1652961/middle-east |title=Iranians defy coronavirus rules as death toll reaches 3,452 |date=4 April 2020 |work=Arab News }}

On 7 April, MOHME spokesman Kianush Jahanpur stated that the intensification of the social distancing policy had led to fewer new cases in recent days. Rouhani again asked people "to stay at home" and obey guidelines.

The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that "low-risk" business activities restarted in most of the country on 11 April, except for in Tehran, where they would restart on 18 April. Rouhani said, "Easing restrictions does not mean ignoring health protocols... Social distancing and other health protocols should be respected seriously by people." To follow the social distancing, "many government offices also re-opened, with two-thirds of their staff" on 11 April. Theatres, swimming pools, saunas, beauty salons, schools, universities, shopping centers, and restaurants, as high-risk businesses, did not resume, and cultural, religious, and sports gatherings were banned. According to health authorities, "many Iranians have ignored appeals to stay at home", which could lead to a second wave of illnesses.{{cite news |title=Iran renews coronavirus warning as 'low risk' activities re-start |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iran-renews-coronavirus-warning-as-low-risk-activities-re-start-idUSKCN21T0AO |work=Reuters |date=11 April 2020 |access-date=11 April 2020}}

On April, a video of a mortuary worker at a cemetery in Qom surrounded by dozens of bodies went viral. The man who filmed it was later arrested, with authorities telling the public that "all bodies were being treated with respect and in keeping with Islam."{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Are the bodies of victims undermining Iran's official figures? |work=BBC News |date=14 April 2020 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52223193 |access-date=18 April 2020}}

Iranian officials stated that between 20 February and 7 April, at least 728 people had died in Iran due to Methanol poisoning after falsely believing that consuming the alcohol protected them from the virus.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5828047/methanol-poisoning-iran/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427180437/https://time.com/5828047/methanol-poisoning-iran/|archive-date=27 April 2020|title=Over 700 Iranians Dead From Methanol Poisoning Over False Belief the Chemical Cures COVID-19|magazine=Time|language=en|access-date=28 April 2020}}

The daily death toll from COVID-19 dropped below 100 starting 14 April. As the death toll dropped, the lockdown measures continued to be eased, and businesses designated as "low-risk businesses", which include many shops, factories and warehouses, were allowed to reopen in Tehran on 18 April.{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/iran-reopen-businesses-covid-19-lockdown-eased-200417132846820.html|title= Iran to reopen businesses as COVID-19 lockdown eased|author= Zein Basravi |date=17 April 2020 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/iran-partially-reopens-capital-coronavirus-death-toll-falls-200418150831638.html|title= Iran partially reopens Tehran as coronavirus death toll falls |date=18 April 2020}}

On 2 May, the country reported 802 new cases, the lowest number of new cases in nearly two months.{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/iran-sees-lowest-daily-covid-19-case-in-nearly-2-months/1826500 |title=Iran sees lowest daily COVID-19 case in nearly 2 months|author=Ahmet Dursun|date=2 May 2020|publisher=Anadolu Agency }}

After the lockdown measures were relaxed in April, cases of COVID-19 started to increase again in May, with new cases averaging 1,200 a day in early May.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-06/iran-s-coronavirus-cases-creep-up-after-officials-ease-lockdown |title=Iran's Coronavirus Cases Creep Up After Officials Ease Lockdown|author=Arsalan Shahla|date=6 May 2020 |work=Bloomberg}}

Despite the rise in cases, all mosques apart from those in Tehran and some major cities were allowed to reopen on 12 May,{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/iran-mosques-set-reopen-tuesday-200511173810576.html |title=All Iran mosques set to reopen on Tuesday|date=11 May 2020|publisher=Al Jazeera }} and schools reopened the following week on 16 May.{{cite news |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/05/iran-open-schools-coronavirus-covid19-pandemic-mosques.html |title=Iran to begin opening schools May 16 |date=4 May 2020|work=Al-Monitor }}

An increase in cases in the southern provinces of Khuzestan province and Sistan and Baluchestan province led to the re-imposition of lockdown restrictions in mid-May there, with travel in and out of Abadan restricted.{{cite news |url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/iran-warns-coronavirus-cluster-spread-71-die-200514114529520.html |title=Iran warns of coronavirus cluster spread as 71 more die|date=14 May 2020|publisher=Al Jazeera}}{{cite web |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/05/iran-southwest-lockdown-increase-coronavirus.html |title=Part of Iran's oil-rich southwest goes under lockdown again|date=11 May 2020 |work=Al-Monitor }} Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on 18 May that around one-fourth of Iran's daily cases were in Khuzestan, with Lorestan province, North Khorasan province, Kerman, Sistan and Baluchestan province and Kermanshah also showing significant rate of transmission of the virus.{{cite news |url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/103433/covid-19-infections-inflate-while-deaths-exceed-7000 |title=Covid-19 Infections Inflate While Deaths Exceed 7,000 |date=18 May 2020 |work=Financial Tribute }}

The number of cases in the country surpassed 150,000 by 31 May.{{cite news |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-iran-says-its-covid-19-cases-have-surpassed-150000 |title=Coronavirus: Iran says its Covid-19 cases have surpassed 150,000 |date= 31 May 2020 |work=Middle Eastern Eye}} However, according to Hassan Rouhani, Iran was in "an acceptable situation" and "not even fragile", with the effective reproduction number (R_eff) of the virus in the country at less than one.{{cite news |url=https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2020/06/596821/iran-covid-19-cases-surpass-150000 |title= Iran Covid-19 cases surpass 150,000 |date= June 2020 |agency=Agence France-Presse |via=New Straits Times}}

New cases continued to increase in early June, with nearly 3,000 new cases reported on 1 June compared to 802 on 2 May.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/01/iran-rapid-rise-in-covid-19-cases-stokes-fears-of-second-wave |title=Iran's rapid rise in Covid-19 cases stokes fears of second wave |first= Patrick|last= Wintour|date= 1 June 2020|work=The Guardian}} The government put the increase in cases down to increased testing, although health minister Saeed Namaki warned the citizens to follow guidance and social distancing rules or risk a second wave of the disease.{{cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-iran-minister/iran-risks-second-coronavirus-wave-if-people-ignore-restrictions-minister-idUKKBN238244 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610000239/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-iran-minister/iran-risks-second-coronavirus-wave-if-people-ignore-restrictions-minister-idUKKBN238244 |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 June 2020 |title=Iran risks second coronavirus wave if people ignore restrictions - minister |date=1 June 2020 |work=Reuters }} The percentage of infections detected in tests however have increased from 11% on 29 May to 14% on 6 June.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/52959756 |title=Coronavirus: Has a second wave of infections hit Iran?|author= Zulfiqar Ali |date=11 June 2020 |publisher=BBC}}

On 4 June, 3,574 new cases of COVID-19 were reported. This figure surpassed the previous peak of 3,186 reported on 30 March. The worst affected province was Khuzestan, and the provinces of Hormozgan province, Kurdistan and Kermanshah were also given "serious virus warning".{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-04/iran-reports-record-daily-coronavirus-cases-as-lockdown-eases|title=Iran's Virus Infections Rise to a Record After Lockdown loosened |first= Yasna |last= Haghdoost|date= 4 June 2020 |work=Bloomberg }} President Rouhani blamed a wedding party for contributing to the increase, and stressed that the country had no option but to keep the economy open.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iranian-wedding-party-fuelled-new-covid-19-surge-president-rouhani-says-idUSKBN23D0EO |title= Iranian wedding party fuelled new COVID-19 surge, President Rouhani says|date=6 June 2020 |work=Reuters }}

On 14 June, the number of daily deaths reached over 100 for the first time in 2 months, with 107 deaths reported. The Ministry of Health warned of increasing infections in the rural provinces.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/coronavirus-iran-cases-deaths-second-wave-covid-19-a9565401.html |title=Coronavirus: Fears of 'second wave' in Iran as deaths leap to two-month high |author=Borzou Daragahi|date=14 June 2020 |work=The Independent }}

The total number of cases surpassed 200,000 on 19 June 2020,{{cite news |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/19/c_139151906.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620154238/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/19/c_139151906.htm |archive-date=20 June 2020 |title=Iran's confirmed COVID-19 cases surpass 200,000 |agency= Xinhua News Agency|date=19 June 2020 }} while the number of deaths recorded reached over 10,000 on 25 June.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-25/iran-s-coronavirus-deaths-rise-past-10-000-as-outbreak-spreads |title=Iran's Coronavirus Deaths Rise Past 10,000 as Outbreak Spreads |first= Yasna |last=Haghdoost|date=25 June 2020|work=Bloomberg }}

On 29 June, Iran's Health Ministry reported a new record number of deaths in a day, with 162 having died the previous 24 hours. It surpassed the previous peak of 158 deaths reported on 4 April.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-29/iran-reports-record-number-of-daily-coronavirus-deaths |title=Iran Reports Record Daily Coronavirus Deaths |first1= Arsalan |last1=Shahla|first2= Golnar|last2= Motevalli|date=29 June 2020 |work=Bloomberg}} Iran's health ministry, however, said on 30 June that the country is still in the first wave, and a second wave would not be considered to have started unless there were to be another rise in cases in provinces that already "had a significant peak" in the first few months of the outbreak. The biggest increase in cases that occurred in May and June was in other cities and border provinces such as Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Bushehr, West and East Azerbaijan, and Razavi Khorasan province, which have been recently designated code 'red' or highest risk areas, rather than in provinces that recorded a peak in the early months.{{cite news |url= https://www.arabnews.com/node/1697611/middle-east |title=Iran says still in first wave of virus outbreak|date=30 June 2020 |work=Arab News }}

On 5 July, a new peak of 163 deaths was reported,{{cite news |url= https://www.france24.com/en/20200705-iran-reports-new-record-one-day-virus-death-toll-of-163-official |title=Iran reports new record one-day virus death toll of 163: official |date=5 July 2020 |publisher=France 24 }} and two days later on 7 July, a further jump in the number of deaths was recorded when 200 died in 24 hours.{{cite news |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/449733/COVID-19-rings-alarm-bells-in-Iran-as-daily-deaths-surge-to-200 |title=COVID-19 rings alarm bells in Iran as daily deaths surge to 200 |date=7 July 2020 |work=Tehran Times }} Another peak of 221 deaths was reported on 9 July, with the total number of cases exceeding 250,000.{{cite news |url=https://irannewsdaily.com/2020/07/iran-covid-19-deaths-on-thursday-221/ |title=Iran COVID-19 Deaths on Thursday: 221 |date=9 July 2020 |work=Iran News}} According to the Health Ministry, five thousand of the country's health workers had become infected and 140 of them had died from the disease by mid-July.{{cite news |url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/7/15/iran-says-140-health-workers-died-from-coronavirus |title=Iran says 140 health workers died from coronavirus as thousands more are infected |work=The New Arab|date=15 July 2020 }}

On 18 July, President Rouhani said that 25 million Iranians are estimated to have already become infected, and between 30 and 35 million more are at risk of infection. This is considerably higher than the official count of 271,606 cases reported on that day.{{cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-iran/rouhani-says-25-million-iranians-infected-with-covid-19-idUKKBN24J07Y |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718074029/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-iran/rouhani-says-25-million-iranians-infected-with-covid-19-idUKKBN24J07Y |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2020 |title=Rouhani warns 25 million infected as Iran reimposes restrictions |date=18 July 2020 |work=Reuters}} Health officials said that the estimate is based on serological blood tests measuring previous exposure of Iranians to the virus, and does not reflect the current state of the disease in Iran.{{cite news |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/covid-19-pandemic_iranian-health-officials-play-down-presidents-figure-25-million-people-infected/6193059.html |title=Iranian Health Officials Play down President's Figure of 25 Million People Infected |agency= Reuters |date=19 July 2020|via=Voice of America}}

On 21 July 227 deaths was reported.{{cite news |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200721-iran-record-229-deaths-from-coronavirus-in-past-24-hours/ |title=Iran: Record 229 deaths from coronavirus in past 24 hours |work=Middle East Monitor |date=21 July 2020 }} The Deputy Health Minister advised Iranians to avoid visiting Mashhad due to a tripling of cases there in the previous month. The death toll reached over 16,000 on 28 July, with another record of 235 deaths reported that day.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iran-registers-a-record-235-coronavirus-deaths-in-24-hour-period-idUSKCN24T18G |title= Iran registers a record 235 coronavirus deaths in 24-hour period |date=28 July 2020 |work=Reuters }} The number of registered coronavirus cases had reached 296,273 cases and the death toll was 16,147 according to Health Ministry spokeswoman, Sima Sadat Lari.{{cite web|date=28 July 2020|title=Iran registers a record 235 coronavirus deaths in 24hrs|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200728-iran-registers-a-record-235-coronavirus-deaths-in-24hrs/|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Middle East Monitor|language=en-GB}}

The total number of official cases surpassed 300,000 on 30 July 2020.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/number-of-coronavirus-cases-in-iran-passes-300000-health-ministry-idUSKCN24V1MP |title=Number of coronavirus cases in Iran passes 300,000 - Health Ministry |date=30 July 2020 |work=Reuters}}

Infections continued at a high level in August, with 2,685 tested positive for the virus on 2 August.{{cite news |url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-cases-spike-iran-reports-highest-single-day-infection-rate-since-early-july/ |title=As cases spike, Iran reports highest single-day infection rate since early July|agency=Agence France-Presse |work=The Times of Israel|date=2 August 2020 }} On 12 August, Health Minister Iraj Harirchi suggested that rate of contamination from the virus had increased.{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-health-officials-say-coronavirus-contaminating-at-much-greater-rate-than-before/30780137.html |title=Iran Health Officials Say Coronavirus Contaminating At Much Greater Rate Than Before |work=Radio Farda |date=12 August 2020 }} On 19 August, the total number of cases had reached over 350,000, with the total number of deaths recorded exceeding 20,000.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iran-coronavirus-death-toll-tops-20000-health-ministry-idUSKCN25F15H |title=Iran Coronavirus Death Toll Tops 20,000 - Health Ministry |date=19 August 2020 |work=Reuters}}

File:Milad Hospital during COVID-19 pandemic 3556128.jpg in September 2020]]

On 19 September, 24,000 Iranians had died of coronavirus.{{cite news|date=19 September 2020|title=Iran's coronavirus death toll exceeds 24,000, says health ministry|work=Middle East Eye|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/irans-coronavirus-death-toll-exceeds-24000-says-health-ministry}}

On 3 December, Iran surpassed 1 million COVID-19 cases and two days later on 5 December, Iran surpassed 50,000 confirmed deaths.{{cite news|date=3 December 2020|title= Iran's coronavirus cases exceed one million|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-idUSKBN28D1EZ}}

{{See also|COVID-19 vaccination in Iran}}

On 8 January, Ali Khamenei banned the import of all kinds of "American and British vaccines" and said he doesn't "trust them".{{Cite news |title=خامنه‌ای ورود واکسن آمریکایی و انگلیسی را ممنوع کرد؛ "اصراری به بازگشت آمریکا به برجام نیست" |url=https://www.radiofarda.com/a/khamemei-says-the-import-of-american-and-british-vaccines-is-prohibited/31038500.html |access-date=2024-05-12 |newspaper=رادیو فردا|date=8 January 2021 }}{{Cite news |title=آیت‌الله خامنه‌ای ورود واکسن کرونا از آمریکا و بریتانیا را ممنوع کرد |url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran-55585724 |access-date=2024-05-12 |newspaper=BBC News فارسی}}

Immediately the import of 150,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines was cancelled and the start of the public vaccination was delayed.{{Cite web |title=سخنگوی جمعیت هلال احمر در گفتگو با مهر: واردات ۱۵۰ هزار دوز واکسن کرونا از آمریکا منتفی شد |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/5117039/%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA-%DB%B1%DB%B5%DB%B0-%D9%87%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B2-%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9%D8%B3%D9%86-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%81%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D8%AF |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Mehrnews Agency|date=8 January 2021 }} At that time Pfizer was the only vaccine in the world approved by WHO.

Russian federation delayed its partnership for building vaccines and delivered just 2 million doses Sputnik V instead of 62 million.{{cite web|date=2021-07-24|title=پاسخ به گلایه از وعده‌ های‌ واکسنی: خارجی‌ ها خلف وعده کردند|url=https://www.irna.ir/news/84413713/پاسخ-به-گلایه-از-وعده-های-واکسنی-خارجی-ها-خلف-وعده-کردند|access-date=2021-08-16|website=ایرنا|language=fa}}

Some Iranians traveled to Armenia for vaccines.{{cite news|last1=Jafari |first1=Saeid |title=Covid-19 vaccine: Iranians sick of waiting rush to Armenia for jabs |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/covid-vaccine-iran-armenia-vacation-sick-waiting |work=Middle East Eye |date=18 July 2021 |access-date=16 August 2021}}

Government had vaccinated just 6% of the 85 million population by August, experiencing the fifth wave of the pandemic with above 30,000 cases and 430 deaths{{cite web|title=Iran Registers Highest Daily COVID-19 Deaths in over 3 Months - Society/Culture news|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2021/08/05/2549613/iran-registers-highest-daily-covid-19-deaths-in-over-3-months|access-date=2021-08-06|website=Tasnim News Agency|language=en}} a day.{{cite web|date=2021-08-01|title=Iran Minister Asks Khamenei For COVID Shutdown With Military's Help|url=https://iranintl.com/en/iran/iran-minister-asks-khamenei-covid-shutdown-militarys-help|access-date=2021-08-06|website=Iran International|language=en}} In September (nearly one month after government change), Iran health minister initially announced that they want to import Pfizer vaccines for pregnant women{{Cite news |title=وزیر بهداشت ایران: واکسن فایزر را برای زنان باردار وارد کردیم |url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran-58680600 |access-date=2024-05-12 |newspaper=BBC News فارسی}}{{cite news|date=2021-08-14|title=فایزر و مدرنا به‌زودی در سبد واکسیناسیون کشور {{!}} توقیف سرُم‌های خریداری‌شده در هند|url=https://www.hamshahrionline.ir/news/620683/فایزر-و-مدرنا-به-زودی-در-سبد-واکسیناسیون-کشور-توقیف-سرم-های|access-date=2021-08-16|website=همشهری آنلاین|language=fa}}

However they changed their mind again and said that Pfizer vaccines import are still banned.{{Cite web |title=چرا واردات واکسن منتفی شد |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1400070805481/%DA%86%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%81%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B2%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%81%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D8%AF |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=ISNA|date=30 September 2021 }}

Minister of healthcare promised to bring in more foreign vaccines.{{cite web|date=2021-08-12|title=کیانوش جهانپور: تا پایان تابستان ۴۰ میلیون دوز واکسن وارد می‌شود|url=https://www.independentpersian.com/node/168876/%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA-%D9%88-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86/%DA%A9%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B4-%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%BE%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%A7-%D9%BE%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%DB%B4%DB%B0-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B2-%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9%D8%B3%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D9%85%DB%8C%E2%80%8C%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%AF|access-date=2021-08-16|website=ایندیپندنت فارسی|language=fa}} Khamenei said vaccines should be provided by any means (either local or import) and he blamed foreigners for the shortage of vaccines in the country.

{{cite web|date=2021-07-23|title=رهبر انقلاب نوبت دوم واکسن ایرانی کرونا را دریافت کردند|language=fa|work=پايگاه اطلاع‌رسانی دفتر حفظ و نشر آثار حضرت آيت‌الله‌العظمی سيدعلی خامنه‌ای|url=https://farsi.khamenei.ir/news-content?id=48311}}

{{cite news|title=آیت‌الله خامنه‌ای خواهان تامین واکسن کرونا برای همه و به هر شکل ممکن شد|language=fa|work=BBC News فارسی|url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran-58171839|access-date=2021-08-16}} Government arrested 6 lawyers and 2 rights activists attempting to sue supreme leader for COVID pandemic administration.{{cite web|date=2021-08-15|title=بازداشت گروهی از وکلای دادگستری و فعالان مدنی پیش از ثبت شکایت علیه علی خامنه‌ای|url=https://www.rfi.fr/fa/%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86/20210815-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%87%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%88%DA%A9%D9%84%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF%DA%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D9%88-%D9%81%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%86%DB%8C-%D9%BE%DB%8C%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%AB%D8%A8%D8%AA-%D8%B4%DA%A9%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%B9%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C|access-date=2021-08-16|website=ار.اف.ای - RFI|language=fa}}

In a tweet on 25 February 2020, health ministry adviser Alireza Vahabzadeh announced that Iranian Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection.{{cite news |title=Iran's deputy health minister tests positive for coronavirus |date=25 February 2020 |newspaper=Middle East Eye |url= https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/irans-deputy-health-minister-tests-positive-coronavirus |access-date=25 February 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200225130856/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/irans-deputy-health-minister-tests-positive-coronavirus |archive-date= 25 February 2020 |url-status=live}} Mahmoud Sadeghi, an MP from Tehran, also tested positive for the virus.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51628484 |title=Top Iran health official gets virus as fears grow |date=25 February 2020 |work=BBC News |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303072933/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51628484 |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/02/27/Iranian-Vice-President-Masoumeh-Ebtekar-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-Report.html |title=Iranian Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar tests positive for coronavirus: Report |publisher=Al Arabiya |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227135129/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/02/27/Iranian-Vice-President-Masoumeh-Ebtekar-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-Report.html |archive-date=27 February 2020 |url-status=live }} Iran's vice-president for Women and Family Affairs, Masoumeh Ebtekar, was diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as the Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, Mojtaba Zolnour.{{cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/high-ranking-iranian-official-catches-coronavirus/1746752 |title=High-ranking Iranian official catches coronavirus |website=aa.com.tr |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227161444/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/high-ranking-iranian-official-catches-coronavirus/1746752 |archive-date=27 February 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/coronavirus-iran-vice-president-masoumeh-ebtekar-test-positive-outbreak-latest-a9363181.html |title=Iran's vice-president diagnosed with coronavirus |date=27 February 2020 |website=The Independent |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227151952/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/coronavirus-iran-vice-president-masoumeh-ebtekar-test-positive-outbreak-latest-a9363181.html |archive-date=27 February 2020 |url-status=live }} Iran's First Ambassador to the Vatican, Hadi Khosroshahi, died from COVID-19 infection in Qom. Mohammad Ali Ramazani Dastak was claimed to have died from COVID-19 on 29 February 2020 but the cause of death was officially given as flu.{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/01/Newly-elected-Iranian-MP-dies-of-flu-amid-coronavirus-outbreak.html |title=Newly elected Iranian MP dies of 'flu' amid coronavirus outbreak |work=Al Arabiya English|date=1 March 2020}}

Mohammad Mirmohammadi, a member of the Expediency Council which advises the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was reported to have died of the disease on 2 March.{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/5793379/iran-supreme-leader-adviser-coronavirus/ |title=Adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei Dies of Coronavirus |author1=Nasser Karimi |author2=Jon Gambrell |date=2 March 2020 |magazine=Time |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302154723/https://time.com/5793379/iran-supreme-leader-adviser-coronavirus/ |archive-date=2 March 2020 }} Twenty-three members of the Iranian Parliament were reported to have been infected. The head of emergency medical services, Pirhossein Kolivand, was diagnosed with the disease.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/coronavirus-iran-emergency-medical-services-pirhossein-kolivand-a9371991.html|title=Coronavirus: Iran's head of emergency medical services diagnosed with disease|first=Rory|last=Sullivan|work=The Independent|date=3 March 2020|access-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303151942/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/coronavirus-iran-emergency-medical-services-pirhossein-kolivand-a9371991.html|archive-date=3 March 2020|url-status=live}} {{ill|Mohammad Sadr (diplomat)|lt=Mohammad Sadr|fa|سید محمد صدر (دیپلمات)}}, a member of the Expediency Council, had reportedly been infected with coronavirus.{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/05/Iranian-council-member-infected-with-coronavirus-Reports.html |title=Second Khamenei advisor infected with coronavirus in Iran |date=5 March 2020 |access-date=6 March 2020 |publisher=Al Arabiya English |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310050632/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/05/Iranian-council-member-infected-with-coronavirus-Reports.html |archive-date=10 March 2020 |url-status=live }} {{ill|Esmail Najjar|fa|اسماعیل نجار}}, the chief of Iran's Crisis Management Organization, was infected with coronavirus.{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/chief-of-iran-s-crisis-management-quarantined-due-to-coronavirus/30477355.html |title=Chief Of Iran's Crisis Management Quarantined Due To Coronavirus |date=9 March 2020 |access-date=9 March 2020 |publisher=Radio Farda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310050655/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/chief-of-iran-s-crisis-management-quarantined-due-to-coronavirus/30477355.html |archive-date=10 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Subsequently, all government officials were forbidden from international travel, and parliament was indefinitely suspended.{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/another-senior-iranian-politician-has-died-of-coronavirus-2020-3?r=US&IR=T |title=Another senior politician has died of coronavirus in Iran, where 8% of the parliament is infected |work=Business Insider |first=David |last=Choi |date=5 March 2020 |access-date=6 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310050641/https://www.businessinsider.com/another-senior-iranian-politician-has-died-of-coronavirus-2020-3?r=US&IR=T |archive-date=10 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

Farhad Tazari, the former head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Political Bureau,{{cite news|url=https://ifpnews.com/coronavirus-kills-two-more-iranian-politicians|title=Coronavirus Kills Two More Iranian Politicians|work=IFP News|date=9 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310152232/https://ifpnews.com/coronavirus-kills-two-more-iranian-politicians|archive-date=10 March 2020|url-status=live}} Iran's first Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri was infected with the virus.{{cite news |url=https://news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com/coronavirus-irans-first-vice-president-jahangiri-infected/ |title=Coronavirus: Iran's first vice president Jahangiri infected |date=11 March 2020 |access-date=11 March 2020 |publisher=Tunisie Numerique |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312060842/https://news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com/coronavirus-irans-first-vice-president-jahangiri-infected/ |archive-date=12 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Ali Asghar Mounesan, Minister of Cultural heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, and Reza Rahmani, Minister of Industry, Mines and Business, got sick.{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-vice-president-ministers-stricken-coronavirus-200311155806337.html |title=Iran's vice president and two ministers stricken by coronavirus |date=11 March 2020 |access-date=11 March 2020 |publisher=Al Jazeera |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311194200/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-vice-president-ministers-stricken-coronavirus-200311155806337.html |archive-date=11 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-vice-president-2-cabinet-members-reportedly-diagnosed-with-coronavirus/ |title=Iran vice president, 2 cabinet members reportedly diagnosed with coronavirus |date=11 March 2020 |access-date=11 March 2020 |magazine=The Times of Israel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312131059/https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-vice-president-2-cabinet-members-reportedly-diagnosed-with-coronavirus/ |archive-date=12 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Member of Expediency Discernment Council Ali Akbar Velayati was infected with the virus.{{cite news |title=Top adviser to Iran's supreme leader infected with coronavirus: Tasnim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-aide/top-adviser-to-irans-supreme-leader-infected-with-coronavirus-tasnim-idUSKBN20Z38J |access-date=12 March 2020 |work=Reuters |date=12 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313002146/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-aide/top-adviser-to-irans-supreme-leader-infected-with-coronavirus-tasnim-idUSKBN20Z38J |archive-date=13 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Minoo Mohraz, a member of the committee to combat coronavirus, tested positive for the virus.{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/14/Iran-Member-of-committee-to-combat-Coronavirus-tests-positive-for-the-virus.html |title=Iran: Member of committee to combat Coronavirus tests positive for the virus |date=14 March 2020 |access-date=14 March 2020 |publisher=Al Arabiya English |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316012227/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/14/Iran-Member-of-committee-to-combat-Coronavirus-tests-positive-for-the-virus.html |archive-date=16 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

At least 17 Iranian politicians and officials had died from the virus by 25 March. Sitting or former Iranian politicians and officials who died from the virus include elected Member of Parliament Fatemeh Rahbar,{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iranian-mp-dies-from-coronavirus-tasnim-news-agency-idUSKBN20U0DL |title=Iranian MP dies from coronavirus: Tasnim news agency |date=7 March 2020 |access-date=7 March 2020 |work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307154240/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iranian-mp-dies-from-coronavirus-tasnim-news-agency-idUSKBN20U0DL |archive-date=7 March 2020 |url-status=live }} former MP Mohammad-Reza Rahchamani,{{cite news|title=Former Iranian MP dies of coronavirus|url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/445916/Former-Iranian-MP-dies-of-coronavirus|date=9 March 2020|access-date=9 March 2020|newspaper=Tehran Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310050701/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/445916/Former-Iranian-MP-dies-of-coronavirus|archive-date=10 March 2020|url-status=live}} Nasser Shabani, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/13/Senior-Iranian-IRGC-commander-dies-of-coronavirus-.html |title=Senior Iranian IRGC commander dies of coronavirus |date=13 March 2020 |access-date=13 March 2020 |publisher=Al Arabiya English |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314172342/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/13/Senior-Iranian-IRGC-commander-dies-of-coronavirus-.html |archive-date=14 March 2020 |url-status=live }} former Ambassador to Syria Hossein Sheikholeslam,{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/former-hostage-taker-of-us-diplomats-dies-of-coronavirus-in-iran/30470975.html |title=Former Hostage Taker Of US Diplomats Dies Of Coronavirus in Iran |work=Radio Farda |date=6 March 2020 |access-date=6 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306151802/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/former-hostage-taker-of-us-diplomats-dies-of-coronavirus-in-iran/30470975.html |archive-date=6 March 2020 |url-status=live }} and former MP Hamid Kahram.{{cite news |title=Former Iran MP Hamid Kahram dies from coronavirus |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/20/Former-Iran-MP-Hamid-Kahram-dies-from-coronavirus.html |access-date=20 March 2020 |agency=Al Arabiya English |date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320025009/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/20/Former-Iran-MP-Hamid-Kahram-dies-from-coronavirus.html |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Akbar Dehghan (head of Qom seminary interpretation staff), Ayatollah Mohsen Habibi (a member of the Supreme Council of Tehran's Seminaries), Ayatollah Reza Mohammadi Langroudi,{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/07/Two-Iranian-religious-figures-latest-to-die-of-coronavirus-in-Iran.html |title=Two Iranian religious figures latest to die of coronavirus in Iran |date=7 March 2020 |access-date=7 March 2020 |publisher=Al Arabiya English |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315075740/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/07/Two-Iranian-religious-figures-latest-to-die-of-coronavirus-in-Iran.html |archive-date=15 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Hashem Bathaie Golpayegani, and economist Fariborz Raisdana also died from the virus.{{cite news |title=Iran Assembly of Experts member infected with coronavirus |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/15/Iran-Assembly-of-Experts-member-infected-with-coronavirus.html |access-date=15 March 2020 |agency=Al Arabiya English |date=15 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315113238/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/15/Iran-Assembly-of-Experts-member-infected-with-coronavirus.html |archive-date=15 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.asriran.com/fa/news/718963|title=فریبرز رئیس دانا، اقتصاددان، بر اثر ابتلا به کرونا درگذشت|publisher=Asr Iran|date=16 March 2020|access-date=16 March 2020}}

The new parliament convened on 27 May 2020, and all members of parliament tested negative for the virus.{{cite news |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_voa-news-iran_irans-newly-elected-parliament-convenes-despite-pandemic/6189992.html |title=Iran's Newly Elected Parliament Convenes Despite Pandemic |agency= Associated Press|date=27 May 2020 |via=Voice of America }} On 4 July 2020, five members of parliament were announced to have contracted the disease as new cases of COVID-19 continued to increase in the country.{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/5-iranian-lawmakers-contract-covid-19-as-cases-surge/1899690 |title=5 Iranian lawmakers contract COVID-19 as cases surge|author=Syed Zafar Mehdi |date=4 July 2020|publisher= Anadolu Agency}} A few days later, it was reported that around seven had tested positive after more than 100 MPs were tested,{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/seven-lawmakers-in-iran-test-positive-for-coronavirus/30714726.html |title=At Least Six Lawmakers In Iran Test Positive For Coronavirus |date=8 July 2020 |work=Radio Farda }} then nine.{{cite news |url= https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/07/iran-parliament-coronavirus-spread-health-minister.html |title=Nine Iranian MPs test positive for coronavirus |work=Al Monitor |date=9 July 2020 }} Issa Jafari, an MP representing Bahar and Kabudarahang, died from the illness on 13 July 2020.{{cite news |url=https://ifpnews.com/iranian-lawmaker-dies-of-covid-19 |title=Iranian Lawmaker Dies of COVID-19 |date=13 July 2020|work=Iran Front Page }}

On 1 August, the film director Khosrow Sinai died from COVID-19.{{cite news |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/450753/Bride-of-Fire-director-Khosro-Sinai-dies-from-coronavirus |title="Bride of Fire" director Khosro Sinai dies from coronavirus|date=1 August 2020|work=The Tehran Times }}

The head of the atomic energy organisation Ali Akbar Salehi and the vice-president in charge of budget and planning Mohammad Bagher Nobakht both tested positive on 11 October.{{cite news |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1747681/middle-east |title=Iran announces highest daily death toll, new patient count |publisher=Arab News |date=12 October 2020}}

Image:13981205000415637181505100958241 نشست خبری سخنگوی دولت.jpg (left) and spokesperson of the Government Ali Rabiei (right) at a press conference. A few hours after the conference, Harirchi announced that he tested positive for the virus.]]

The government has given a positive assessment of Iran's response to the pandemic while also warning of sinister forces.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

On 23 March 2020, Ali Khamenei mentioned a conspiracy theory that the US created "a special version" of the virus "based on Iranian genetic information they have gathered",{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Iran's leader suggests US cooked up 'special version' of virus to target country |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-coronavirus-us-target-country-special-version-covid19-a9417206.html |work=The Independent |date=22 March 2020}}

that was affecting the country, although he provided no evidence for the theory and added, "I do not know how real this accusation is."{{cite news |title=Iran Says U.S. Sanctions Are Taking Lives. U.S. Officials Disagree. |work=The New York Times |date=April 2020 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/world/middleeast/iran-virus-sanctions.html |access-date=6 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402173016/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/world/middleeast/iran-virus-sanctions.html |archive-date=2 April 2020 |url-status=live |last1=Fassihi |first1=Farnaz }}{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Iran's leader suggests US cooked up 'special version' of virus to target country |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-coronavirus-us-target-country-special-version-covid19-a9417206.html |work=The Independent |date=23 March 2020 |access-date=24 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324095310/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-coronavirus-us-target-country-special-version-covid19-a9417206.html |archive-date=24 March 2020 |url-status=live }} He also warned "there are enemies who are demons, and there are enemies who are humans, and they help one another."

Earlier he speculated that the virus outbreak may be a "biological attack" on Iran.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-12/iran-s-khamenei-says-virus-outbreak-may-be-biological-attack |title=Iran's Khamenei Says Virus Outbreak May Be 'Biological Attack' |first1=Yasna |last1=Haghdoost |first2=Golnar |last2=Motevalli |work=Bloomberg |access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323123634/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-12/iran-s-khamenei-says-virus-outbreak-may-be-biological-attack |archive-date=23 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

Major General Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, stated, "Iran is currently engaged in biological warfare and will definitely win the war."{{cite news|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/03/05/2217376/iran-involved-in-biological-warfare-irgc-chief/amp|title=Iran Involved in Biological Warfare: IRGC Chief – Politics news|agency=Tasnim News Agency|access-date=6 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307051241/https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/03/05/2217376/iran-involved-in-biological-warfare-irgc-chief/amp|archive-date=7 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Claims in state-run Press TV that Israel was implicated in coronavirus conspiracies against Iran were seen by many, including the Jerusalem Post and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL),{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} as being anti-semitic.{{cite news|last1=Frantzman|first1=Seth|url=https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-News/Irans-regime-pushes-antisemitic-conspiracies-about-coronavirus-620212|title=Iran's regime pushes antisemitic conspiracies about coronavirus|date=8 March 2020|work=J Post|access-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310213820/https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-News/Irans-regime-pushes-antisemitic-conspiracies-about-coronavirus-620212|archive-date=10 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Rouhani, however, said on 26 February that there were no plans to quarantine areas affected by the outbreak, and only individuals would be quarantined.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51651454 |title=Coronavirus: Iran has no plans to quarantine cities, Rouhani says |publisher=BBC |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226194202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51651454 |archive-date=26 February 2020 |url-status=live }} On 1 April, Rouhani said that "Iranians had done "great work" and that the outbreak appeared to be receding in all provinces. He said that Iran had been more successful than other countries at controlling the virus, despite the US-imposed sanctions. Khamenei also praised the country's efforts: "The Iranian nation had a brilliant performance in this test. The people's cooperation has also created beautiful, fascinating and astonishing scenes, and they can be seen everywhere"; and compared it favourably to the West where residents had (he alleged) "fought with one another over toilet paper".

On 26 February, Iranian Cyber Police announced that, in order to stop the spread of photos and videos with false information about the coronavirus, notices were given to 118 people and 24 others were arrested.{{cite web |title=بیست و چهار شایعه‌پراکن کروناویروس دستگیر شدند |url=https://www.tabnak.ir/fa/news/961993/۲۴-شایعه-پراکن-کرونا-ویروس-دستگیر-شدند |website=tabnak.ir |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303042943/https://www.tabnak.ir/fa/news/961993/%DB%B2%DB%B4-%D8%B4%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B9%D9%87-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%A7%DA%A9%D9%86-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%88%DB%8C%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA%DA%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%AF |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }} These indictments were considered vague by Article 19,{{cite web |title=ایران: ویروس کرونا نیاز به گردش آزاد اطلاعات را مهم تر می‌کند |url=https://www.article19.org/fa/resources/iran-coronavirus-crisis-highlights-need-for-the-free-flow-of-information/ |website=ARTICLE 19 |date=27 February 2020 |access-date=6 March 2020 |language=fa-IR |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306205645/https://www.article19.org/fa/resources/iran-coronavirus-crisis-highlights-need-for-the-free-flow-of-information/ |archive-date=6 March 2020 |url-status=live }} and the government's attempt to control the information flow.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} Iranian football player Mohammad Mokhtari, who on 10 March had posted on Instagram criticising the authorities' handling of the outbreak, was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.{{cite news |title=Iran arrests footballer over coronavirus Instagram posts |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/13/Iran-arrests-footballer-over-coronavirus-Instagram-posts-.html |access-date=13 March 2020 |agency=Al Arabiya English |date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314152214/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/13/Iran-arrests-footballer-over-coronavirus-Instagram-posts-.html |archive-date=14 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 14 March, he was released after offering expressions of regret.{{cite news |url=https://www.tabnak.ir/fa/news/965850/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%BE%DB%8C%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B4-%DA%AF%DB%8C%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%B4%D8%AF |title=کاپیتان داماش گیلان آزاد شد |work=Tabnak |date=14 March 2020 |access-date=25 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315165920/https://www.tabnak.ir/fa/news/965850/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%BE%DB%8C%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B4-%DA%AF%DB%8C%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%B4%D8%AF |archive-date=15 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 30 March, Iran banned all printing and distribution of newspapers.{{cite web|url=https://cpj.org/2020/03/iran-bans-printing-of-all-newspapers-citing-spread.php|title=Iran bans printing of all newspapers, citing spread of coronavirus|website=cpj.org|date=31 March 2020}} Iran said it has arrested 3600 people for "spreading rumors" about coronavirus in the country.{{cite news |title=Iran Says 3,600 Arrested For Spreading Coronavirus-Related Rumors |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-says-3600-arrested-for-spreading-coronavirus-related-rumors/30583656.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) |date=29 April 2020}}

In January 2021 Hassan Rouhani said that foreign companies would not be allowed to test COVID-19 vaccines on Iranians.{{cite news |title=Iran bans import of UK and US COVID-19 vaccines, saying they're 'completely untrustworthy' |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210109-iran-bans-import-of-uk-and-us-covid-19-vaccines-saying-they-re-completely-untrustworthy|publisher=France 24}}{{cite news |title=Iran bans foreign companies from testing COVID-19 vaccines on Iranians: president |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-idUSKBN29E0D4|work=Reuters}}

{{Expand Persian|topic=hist|ستاد ملی مبارزه با کرونا|section=yes|date=September 2021}}

Image:عملیات ضدعفونی معابر عمومی و شهری محله نبرد تهران.jpg, Tehran]]

According to the Tasnim news agency, Southwest Asia's largest factory producing face masks in Iran was opened by Mohammad Mokhber, director of the Headquarters for Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order on 14 April 2020. The factory is able to "produce 4 million masks per month".{{cite web |title=Iran Opens Largest Mask Factory in Southwest Asia |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/04/14/2243571/iran-opens-largest-mask-factory-in-southwest-asia |website=tasnimnews |access-date=14 April 2020}} According to the report of EIKO's officials, the EIKO has provided several medical facilities to fight with the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, including " 25 million three-layered and N95 masks, launching a production line of medical masks, production of Iranian test kit for coronavirus infection, research on the medicine of the disease, launching the 4030 phone line with the help of 2,200 doctors and paramedics for answering people's questions about coronavirus,  making oxygen concentrator (with producing 50 machines every day), production of 400,000 liters of disinfectant gel".{{cite web |title=Stop lying, sanctions; be honest, why you are angry: Iranian official tells US |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83734550/Stop-lying-sanctions-be-honest-why-you-are-angry-Iranian|website=IRNA |date=31 March 2020|access-date=31 March 2020}}

On 2 March, the government announced plans to mobilise 300,000 soldiers and volunteers to combat the spread of the virus, as well as to deploy drones and water cannons to disinfect streets.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-mobilizes-300-000-people-and-deploys-drones-and-water-cannon-to-halt-the-spread-of-coronavirus-11583157765 |title=Iran Mobilizes 300,000 Teams and Deploys Drones and Water Cannon to Halt the Spread of Coronavirus |first1=Aresu |last1=Eqbali |first2=Isabel |last2=Coles |date=2 March 2020 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303152213/https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-mobilizes-300-000-people-and-deploys-drones-and-water-cannon-to-halt-the-spread-of-coronavirus-11583157765 |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 13 March, a plan was announced to clear streets, shops, and public places by the Revolutionary Guards. In addition, 1,000 fixed and mobile detection clinics would be set up, the army would work alongside medical staff as well as producing face masks and gloves, and army beds would be made available for patients.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/13/revolutionary-guards-enforce-coronavirus-controls-iran |title=Revolutionary Guards to enforce coronavirus controls in Iran |first=Patrick |last=Wintour |date=13 March 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314135322/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/13/revolutionary-guards-enforce-coronavirus-controls-iran |archive-date=14 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

The head of the Medical Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, said on 18 March that 22 million Iranians had been screened and that the condition of a one and a half million was being monitored. He also said that the numbers given by the MOHME are those of confirmed cases, adding, "The reality is the real numbers are higher than the [reported] numbers."{{cite web|title=Iran medical council says coronavirus crisis still developing |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/03/iran-medical-council-coronavirus-peak.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320173253/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/03/iran-medical-council-coronavirus-peak.html |archive-date=20 March 2020|date=20 March 2020 }} The Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics created the first COVID-19 test kit on 23 February.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} The government created an application and a website to combat the outbreak.{{cite web|url=https://digiato.com/article/2020/03/04/اپلیکیشن-مقابله-با-کرونا-عرضه-شد؛-از-ان/|title=سامانه مقابله با کرونا عرضه شد؛ از انجام تست‌های اولیه تا ویدیوهای آموزشی|website=دیجیاتو|access-date=8 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315113431/https://digiato.com/article/2020/03/04/%D8%A7%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%A9%DB%8C%D8%B4%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%B6%D9%87-%D8%B4%D8%AF%D8%9B-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D9%86/|archive-date=15 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Citizens were advised to avoid using banknotes.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51760563|title=Coronavirus: Iran limits travel and urges banknote avoidance|date=5 March 2020|publisher=BBC|access-date=6 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306115643/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51760563|archive-date=6 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Several prominent figures have promoted unproven medical remedies, including Khamenei, Abbas Tabrizian and Hossein Ravazadeh.{{cite news|title= Desperate Iranians are getting bad medical advice|url= https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/04/18/desperate-iranians-are-getting-bad-medical-advice|newspaper=The Economist|date=18 April 2020}}

{{POV section|date=April 2020}}

Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholam Hossein Ismaili said that "he was activating a range of preventive measures including cutting the number of people being sent to jail and allowing some inmates out on temporary early release."{{cite news |first1=Mattha |last1=Busby |first2=Michael |last2=Safi |title=Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe suspected of having coronavirus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/feb/29/nazanin-zaghari-ratcliffe-family-believe-she-has-coronavirus |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301233032/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/feb/29/nazanin-zaghari-ratcliffe-family-believe-she-has-coronavirus |archive-date=1 March 2020 |url-status=live |date=29 February 2020}}

On 9 March, around 70,000 prisoners were temporarily released to limit the further spread of the disease within prisons.{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/italy-coronavirus-toll-soars-north-sealed-live-updates-200308235426110.html |title=Iran releases 70,000 prisoners as toll rises: Live updates |first1=Kate |last1=Mayberry |first2=Virginia |last2=Pietromarchi |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=9 March 2020 |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309135638/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/italy-coronavirus-toll-soars-north-sealed-live-updates-200308235426110.html |archive-date=9 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iran-temporarily-releases-70000-prisoners-as-coronavirus-cases-surge-idUSKBN20W1E5 |title=Iran temporarily releases 70,000 prisoners as coronavirus cases surge |work=Reuters |date=9 March 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310071208/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iran-temporarily-releases-70000-prisoners-as-coronavirus-cases-surge-idUSKBN20W1E5 |archive-date=10 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 10 March, more than 54,000 prisoners were temporarily released to prevent the spread of coronavirus.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51723398 |title=Coronavirus: Iran temporarily frees 54,000 prisoners to combat spread |work=BBC News |date=3 March 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305001254/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51723398 |archive-date=5 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 17 March, about 85,000 prisoners were temporarily released due to the coronavirus,{{cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-iran-frees-85-000-prisoners-to-combat-spread-of-covid-19-11958783 |title=Iran temporarily frees 85,000 from jail, including political prisoners, amid coronavirus |first=Parisa |last=Hafezi |date=17 March 2020 |agency=Reuters |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317144133/https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-iran-frees-85-000-prisoners-to-combat-spread-of-covid-19-11958783 |archive-date=17 March 2020 |url-status=live }} and two days later the government announced plans to pardon 11,000 prisoners, including those charged with political crimes.{{cite news |title=Iran frees 85,000 prisoners due to coronavirus, says judiciary spokesman |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/17/Iran-frees-85-000-prisoners-due-to-coronavirus-says-judiciary-spokesman.html |access-date=18 March 2020 |agency=Al Arabiya English |date=17 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318141153/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/17/Iran-frees-85-000-prisoners-due-to-coronavirus-says-judiciary-spokesman.html |archive-date=18 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/19/iran-to-pardon-10000-including-security-prisoners |title=Iran to pardon 10,000, including 'security' prisoners |first=Patrick |last=Wintour |date=19 March 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=24 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320191918/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/19/iran-to-pardon-10000-including-security-prisoners |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

On 27 March 70 inmates escaped Saqqez Prison in Kurdistan province. On 28 March, prisoners in the western Iranian city of Hamadan rioted and escaped, using the outbreak as a pretext according to Hamedan's prosecutor.{{cite web|url=https://www.irna.ir/news/83732426/دادستان-همدان-لیدرهای-ناآرامی-در-زندان-این-شهر-شناسایی-شدند|title=دادستان همدان: لیدرهای ناآرامی در زندان این شهر شناسایی شدند |work=IRNA|date=29 March 2020 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-iran-says-54-inmates-large-after-mass-jail-break |title=Coronavirus: Iran says 54 inmates at large after mass jailbreak |date=30 March 2020 |work=Middle East Eye |access-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401002213/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-iran-says-54-inmates-large-after-mass-jail-break |archive-date=1 April 2020 |url-status=live }} Prisoners in the city of Mahabad, in Iran's Kurdish region, also attempted to escape.{{cite web|url=https://www.avatoday.net/node/9307|title=More attempts of prison break reported from Iran | AvaToday|website=avatoday.net|access-date=6 April 2020}} On 30 March, there was a prison riot in the south of the country. Although 100,000 prisoners have been released as a measure to contain the pandemic, an estimated 50,000 people are still behind bars, including violent offenders and "security cases", dual nationals and others with Western ties.[https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/jordan-releases-travelers-quarantined-dead-sea-hotels-69867295?cid=clicksource_76_null_headlines_hed Prisoners riot in Iran; Netanyahu goes into self-quarantine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402170513/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/jordan-releases-travelers-quarantined-dead-sea-hotels-69867295?cid=clicksource_76_null_headlines_hed |date=2 April 2020 }} By AMIR VAHDAT and ARON HELLER, Associated Press, 30 March 2020 Human rights activists reported that during riots in different jails on 30 and 31 March, at least 20 prisoners were killed in two prisons in Ahwaz when the guards opened fire of the prisoners. Several other prisoners were reportedly killed in Shiban prison, also in Ahwaz.{{cite web |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/activists-say-many-inmates-killed-in-iran-prison-disturbances/30523805.html |title=Activists Say Many Inmates Killed In Iran Prison Disturbances |date=April 2020 |access-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404055214/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/activists-say-many-inmates-killed-in-iran-prison-disturbances/30523805.html |archive-date=4 April 2020 |url-status=live }} On 3 April, Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the United Nations Human Rights Commission, expressed his worries about prison conditions in "countries including Iran, one of the worst-hit in the world". There have been riots in the prisons of Iran and some other countries, "prisoners who are afraid, who are distressed at the big loss of contact from family members and so on. So, there are many, many issues surrounding this." Colville's comment came after Daniel Zeinolabedini, a juvenile offender in Mahabad prison in northeast Iran, died after he was reportedly beaten by prison guards.{{cite web |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/un-high-commissioner-horrified-at-death-of-young-man-in-iran-prison/30529032.html |title=UN High Commissioner 'Horrified' At Death Of Young Man In Iran Prison |date=3 April 2020 |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404055227/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/un-high-commissioner-horrified-at-death-of-young-man-in-iran-prison/30529032.html |archive-date=4 April 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=U.N. Worried About Iran Prisoners Amid Coronavirus Outbreak |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/04/03/world/middleeast/03reuters-health-coronavirus-iran.html |website=NYT |access-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403164016/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/04/03/world/middleeast/03reuters-health-coronavirus-iran.html |archive-date=3 April 2020 |url-status=live }} A riot had erupted on 28 March, before Daniel's death, over prison conditions and the failure of the authorities to temporarily release the prisoners amid the pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25773&LangID=E|title=OHCHR | Press briefing note on Iran|website=ohchr.org}}

On 7 April, Iranian authorities moved some political prisoners from Shiban prisons in Ahwaz to an unknown location after the protests. According to Radio Farda, the regime severely suppressed the protests and several prisoners were killed.{{cite web|url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/dozens-of-political-prisoners-in-iran-moved-to-unknown-location-after-unrest-/30540347.html|title=Dozens Of Political Prisoners In Iran Moved To Unknown Location After Unrest|website=RFE/RL|date=7 April 2020 }} A report issued by Amnesty international on 9 April indicated that during the protests, around 35 inmates were killed and hundreds wounded when security forces used live ammunition against them.{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/04/iran-prisoners-killed-by-security-forces-during-covid19-pandemic-protests/|title=Iran: Prisoners killed by security forces during COVID-19 pandemic protests|date=9 April 2020|publisher=Amnesty International}}

The Ministry of Sports and Youth took steps to cancel sporting events, including football matches.{{cite web|url= https://www.varzesh3.com/news/1669982/لغو-همه-مسابقات-ورزشی-به-مدت-روز |title=لغو همه مسابقات ورزشی به مدت ۱۰ روز|website=varzesh3.com|language=fa|access-date=23 February 2020}}

Khamenei decided to cancel his Persian New Year speech, which takes place every year at the Imam Reza Shrine, Mashhad.{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/09/Iran-s-Khamenei-cancels-Persian-new-year-speech-over-coronavirus-fears.html |title=Iran's Khamenei cancels Persian new year speech over coronavirus fears |work=Al Arabiya English |date=9 March 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315075815/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/09/Iran-s-Khamenei-cancels-Persian-new-year-speech-over-coronavirus-fears.html |archive-date=15 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

On 22 February, the Ministry of Islamic Culture and Guidance announced the cancellation of all concerts and other cultural events for one week.{{cite web|url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iranian-doctors-call-for-long-holiday-to-contain-coronavirus-outbreak/30449047.html|title=Iranian Doctors Call For 'Long Holiday' To Contain Coronavirus, As Sixth Victim Dies|website=RFE/RL|date=22 February 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223130155/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iranian-doctors-call-for-long-holiday-to-contain-coronavirus-outbreak/30449047.html|archive-date=23 February 2020|url-status=live}} The traditional Persian fire festival Chaharshanbe Suri was also banned by the government.{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/iran-bans-fire-festival-celebrations-over-virus/1769048|title=Iran bans fire festival celebrations over virus|website=Outlook India|access-date=20 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317180228/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/iran-bans-fire-festival-celebrations-over-virus/1769048|archive-date=17 March 2020|url-status=live}}

In late March,{{cite news |url=https://www.irna.ir/news/83727330/%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AC%D9%86%DA%AF%D9%84%DB%8C-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%B4%D8%AF |title=The crowded parks were closed |publisher= IRNA}} all parks and public gardens were closed by the order of officials and police did not let people enter.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52118809 |title=Coronavirus: Iran's official death toll passes 3,000 |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403142153/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52118809 |archive-date=3 April 2020 |url-status=live }}

The MOHME announced the closure of universities, higher educational institutions, and schools in several cities and provinces.{{cite web|url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-announces-closure-of-universities-schools-to-fight-coronavirus/30449711.html|title=Iran Announces Closure Of Universities, Schools As Coronavirus Death Toll Rises|website=RFE/RL|date=23 February 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223170351/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-announces-closure-of-universities-schools-to-fight-coronavirus/30449711.html|archive-date=23 February 2020|url-status=live}} The Corona National Anti-Virus Headquarters ordered academic organisations to launch learning management systems.{{cite web |url= https://www.ilna.news/بخش-استان-ها-15/880494-راه-اندازی-کمپین-آموزش-های-مجازی-رایگان-برای-مقابله-با-کرونا |title= راه‌اندازی کمپین آموزش‌های مجازی رایگان برای مقابله با کرونا |date= 3 March 2020 |access-date= 3 March 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200315113600/https://www.ilna.news/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%87%D8%A7-15/880494-%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%85%D9%BE%DB%8C%D9%86-%D8%A2%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B4-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7 |archive-date= 15 March 2020 |url-status= live }} Iran's health minister announced schools and universities would be closed until the start of the holiday for Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on 20 March.

On April 3, 2022, Schools and institutions in Iran have reopened for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began more than two years ago.{{cite news |title=Iran fully reopens schools a day after two years of COVID closure |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/3/iran-fully-reopens-schools-after-two-years-as-ramadan-begins |access-date=10 April 2022 |work=Al Jazeera |agency=AL Jazeera |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=3 April 2022}}

In late February, the MOHME said that Friday prayers would not be held in Tehran and areas affected by the outbreak that week.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/saudi-arabia-halts-travel-to-islams-holiest-site-over-virus%2f2020%2f02%2f26%2fc86ec712-5918-11ea-8efd-0f904bdd8057_story.html |title=Iran news agencies report Friday prayers canceled in Tehran |first=Jon |last=Gambrell |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227215249/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/saudi-arabia-halts-travel-to-islams-holiest-site-over-virus/2020/02/26/c86ec712-5918-11ea-8efd-0f904bdd8057_story.html |archive-date=27 February 2020 }} On 20 February, according to a letter from the MOHME to the governor of Qom, a request was made to "limit the number of pilgrims at the Fatima Masumeh Shrine and other religious sites".{{cite news |title='Recipe for a Massive Viral Outbreak': Iran Emerges as a Worldwide Threat |work=The New York Times |date=24 February 2020 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/world/middleeast/coronavirus-iran.html |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312121420/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/world/middleeast/coronavirus-iran.html |archive-date=12 March 2020 |url-status=live |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=David D. |last2=Fassihi |first2=Farnaz |last3=Mashal |first3=Mujib }} However, Shia shrines in Qom remained open for pilgrims to congregate.{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/26/middleeast/iran-coronavirus-intl/index.html|title=Iran was already struggling with one crisis. Now it has the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East|author1=Ramin Mostaghim|author2=Mostafa Salem|author3=Tamara Qiblawi|publisher=CNN|date=26 February 2020|access-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226200703/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/26/middleeast/iran-coronavirus-intl/index.html|archive-date=26 February 2020|url-status=live}} The head of Fatima Masumeh Shrine encouraged pilgrims to visit the shrine on 27 February, saying, "We consider this holy shrine to be a place of healing."{{cite news |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200227-iran-cleric-encourages-visitors-to-qom-religious-sites-despite-coronavirus-fears/ |title=Iran cleric encourages visitors to Qom religious sites, despite coronavirus fears |date=27 February 2020 |work=Middle East Monitor |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303165907/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200227-iran-cleric-encourages-visitors-to-qom-religious-sites-despite-coronavirus-fears/ |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

On 16 March, to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Fatima Masumeh Shrine, Jamkaran Mosque in Qom, and Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad were closed.{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/covid-19-irans-holiest-sites-closing-to-visitors/1768192l|title=COVID-19: Iran's holiest sites closing to visitors|website=AA news|access-date=16 March 2020}} Following this announcement, some people protested by entering the shrine, but they were driven out by workers and the doors were closed again.{{cite web|url= https://www.farsnews.ir/qom/news/13981226001206/ورود-غیرقانونی-عده%E2%80%8Cای-به-حرم-حضرت-معصومه-س--با-تلاش-خدام-درب%E2%80%8Cهای-حرم |title=ورود غیرقانونی عده‌ای به حرم حضرت معصومه (س)|website=Fars news|access-date=16 March 2020}}{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/5804546/iran-shiite-storm-coronavirus/ |title=Shiite Hardliners in Iran Storm 2 Shrines That Were Closed to Stop Coronavirus Spread |first=Jon |last=Gambrell |via=Associated Press |date=17 March 2020 |magazine=Time |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317140841/https://time.com/5804546/iran-shiite-storm-coronavirus/ |archive-date=17 March 2020 }}

Rouhani ordered the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development to make decisions about public commuting and the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade to build required medical equipment.{{cite journal|url=https://www.saat24.news/news/484027/روحانی-دستورات-لازم-را-برای-مقابله-همه-جانبه-با-کرونا-صادر|title=روحانی دستورات لازم را برای مقابله همه‌جانبه با "کرونا" صادر کرد|date=23 February 2020|website=ساعت24|language=fa|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223183241/https://www.saat24.news/news/484027/%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%87-%D9%87%D9%85%D9%87-%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%B1|archive-date=23 February 2020|url-status=live}} As confirmed cases mounted, Iran's health minister announced on 5 March that checkpoints would be placed between cities to limit travel. The government indicated that it might use force to limit travel between cities.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/06/chinese-schools-reopen-as-coronavirus-cases-in-europe-continue-to-rise |title=Iran threatens use of force to restrict spread of coronavirus |author1=Sam Jones |author2=Patrick Wintour |date=6 March 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=6 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306123813/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/06/chinese-schools-reopen-as-coronavirus-cases-in-europe-continue-to-rise |archive-date=6 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 17 March, the government warned that "millions" might die from the coronavirus if people were to keep ignoring health guidelines and continue travelling. As of mid-March, 90% of the 18,000 coronavirus cases in the Middle East were in Iran.{{cite news|work=Associated Press|title=Iran warns virus could kill 'millions' in Islamic Republic|author1=NASSER KARIMI|author2=JON GAMBRELL|date=17 March 2020|url=https://apnews.com/6e92d93551ee6c6ae51d0acaaad9eb32|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318132446/https://apnews.com/6e92d93551ee6c6ae51d0acaaad9eb32|archive-date=18 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Coronavirus pandemic 'could kill millions' in Iran |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=16 May 2020 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-pandemic-kill-millions-iran-200317135500255.html |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317222216/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-pandemic-kill-millions-iran-200317135500255.html |archive-date=17 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 20 March, media reports suggested that heavy traffic continued for the Nowruz holiday. A government minister warned that the crisis might continue for six months if the disease was not brought under control.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/20/iranian-new-year-self-isolate-covid-19 |title=Iranians ignore requests to stay home for new year celebrations |first=Patrick |last=Wintour |date=20 March 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327150524/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/20/iranian-new-year-self-isolate-covid-19 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 25 March, the government warned that Iran might be facing a second wave of COVID-19 because people were ignoring guidance on travelling during the Nowruz holidays, and banned all new trips between cities.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-wave/iran-warns-of-second-wave-of-coronavirus-idUSKBN21C1VT |title=Iran warns of second wave of coronavirus |date=25 March 2020 |work=Reuters |first= Parisa|last= Hafezi}}

Measures would include guaranteeing bank credit of Rls.10 million (US$61) to 23 million families (which they have to pay back with 4% profit) — most of the population – and low-interest rate loans up to Rls.20 million to lower-income households as care packages.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/9ee6f251-f3ee-4d42-8cac-e372f8564088|title=Iran steps up support for citizens as it eases coronavirus controls|work=Financial Times|access-date=12 January 2021}}

The Administrative and Recruitment Affairs Organization ruled that remote work by government employees would be permissible.{{cite web |url= https://www.asriran.com/fa/news/716947/بخشنامه%E2%80%8C-به-دستگاه-های-اجرایی-دورکاری-کارکنان-بلامانع-است |title= بخشنامه‌ به دستگاه های اجرایی: دورکاری کارکنان بلامانع است |access-date= 3 March 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200304160526/https://www.asriran.com/fa/news/716947/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87%E2%80%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA |archive-date= 4 March 2020 |url-status= live }} On 24 March, Rouhani announced that half of all government employees would work remotely at home.{{cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-iran/half-of-iranian-government-employees-to-work-remotely-amid-coronavirus-rouhani-idUKKBN21B0SZ |title=Half of Iranian government employees to work remotely amid coronavirus – Rouhani |date=24 March 2020 |work=Reuters |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328135328/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-iran/half-of-iranian-government-employees-to-work-remotely-amid-coronavirus-rouhani-idUKKBN21B0SZ |archive-date=28 March 2020 |url-status=dead }} To restrict the spread of the disease, most businesses deemed non-essential were closed.{{cite web |title=Iran says coronavirus infections show 'gradual' decline |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-says-coronavirus-infections-show-gradual-decline/ |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=6 April 2020}} According to Rouhani, "the authorities had given the go-ahead for the resumption of certain economic activities 'step by step' from April 11".

On 26 March, Rouhani requested to withdraw 1 billion dollars from National Development Fund and Khamenei allowed the withdrawal after eleven days.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran-52189469|title=کرونا؛ آیت‌الله خامنه‌ای پس از ۱۱ روز با برداشت از صندوق توسعه ملی موافقت کرد|newspaper=BBC News فارسی|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 March 2020}} On 28 March, Rouhani announced that 20% of the country's annual budget would be allocated to fight the virus.{{cite news |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/03/28/2232142/iran-allocates-20-of-annual-budget-to-coronavirus-battle |title=Iran Allocates 20% of Annual Budget to Coronavirus Battle |agency=Tasnim News Agency |date=28 March 2020 |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328112109/https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/03/28/2232142/iran-allocates-20-of-annual-budget-to-coronavirus-battle |archive-date=28 March 2020 |url-status=live }} The following day, he defended against criticisms of the government's response to the outbreak, saying that he needed to weigh protecting the country's economy that was already affected by US sanctions while fighting the worst outbreak of the region.{{cite web|url=https://www.jamaran.news/بخش-پروفایل-182/1363201-اختصاص-میلیارد-تومان-به-وزارت-بهداشت-برای-مقابله-با-کرونا|title=اختصاص 530 میلیارد تومان به وزارت بهداشت برای مقابله با کرونا|website=پایگاه خبری جماران – امام خمینی – انقلاب اسلامی|language=fa|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315091035/https://www.jamaran.news/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%81%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%84-182/1363201-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B5-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7|archive-date=15 March 2020|url-status=live}}

On 5 April, President Hassan Rouhani announced that economic activity in "low-risk" sector would resumed nationwide apart from Tehran province starting 11 April. On 18 April, Iran allowed some businesses in Tehran and nearby towns to re-open with a third of government offices employees still remote working, schools, restaurants, malls and grand bazaar remained closed.{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200418-sanctions-hit-iran-gambles-on-partial-covid-19-lockdown-exit |title=Sanctions-hit Iran gambles on partial COVID-19 lockdown exit |date=18 April 2020}} The lockdown continued to be eased in May; all civil servants were allowed to return to work, mosques and schools were reopened, restrictions on restaurants were eased, shopping malls allowed to extend opening hours.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-iran-lifts-its-lockdown-coronavirus-cases-return-to-peak-level-11591127761 |title=As Iran Lifts Its Lockdown, Coronavirus Cases Return to Peak Level |author=Sune Engel Rasmussen |author2=Aresu Eqbali |date=2 June 2020 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}{{cite news |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-iran-mosques-resume-daily-prayers-amid-easing-lockdown |title=Coronavirus: Iran mosques to resume daily prayers amid easing of lockdown |date= 30 May 2020|work=Middle East Eye }} After the Turkey-Iran border at Bazargan was closed in February, a limited number of trucks were allowed to move between the two countries on 7 May,{{cite news |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1671226/middle-east|title= Turkey-Iran border open for trucks despite contagion risk |date=8 May 2020|work=Arab News }} and the border was reopened on 4 June.{{cite news |url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/domestic-economy/103671/turkey-reopens-border-gates-with-iran |title=Turkey Reopens Border Gates With Iran |date=5 June 2020 |work=Financial Tribune }} Health officials however appealed to the public to avoid travelling during the Eid al-Fitr holiday after Ramadan ended in May.{{cite news |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1677861/middle-east |title=Iran appeals to people not to travel for Eid holiday to avoid COVID-19 spike |date=21 May 2020 |agency=Reuters |via=Arab News }}

The easing of restrictions was followed by an increase in the number of new cases; despite the risk of a second wave of the infections, President Rouhani said on 6 June that there was no option but to keep the economy open. The GDP of the country had fallen by 15% due to the COVID-19 pandemic by June 2020. Rouhani said on 14 June that the main priority was to control prices and supply the basic means of life for the people of Iran as the country suffered the repercussions of the COVID-19 outbreak with prices of food and household items increasing and currency falling.{{cite news |url=https://ifpnews.com/iran-pushing-to-mitigate-economic-repercussions-of-covid-19-rouhani |title=Iran Pushing to Mitigate Economic Repercussions of COVID-19: Rouhani |date=14 June 2020|work=Iran Front Page }}{{cite news |url=https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2335416/iranians-reel-economic-mafia-currency-collapse |title=Iranians Reel from Economic Mafia, Currency Collapse |date= 15 June 2020 |work=Asharq Al-Awsat}} A campaign to encourage its citizens to wear face mask was launched on 27 June 2020,{{cite news |url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/iran-launches-face-mask-campaign-amid-coronavirus-spikes-1.1040320 |title=Iran launches face mask campaign amid coronavirus spikes |agency=Reuters |via=The National |date=28 June 2020 }} and the following day it was announced that wearing face mask would be made compulsory in "covered spaces where there are gatherings" until 22 July.{{cite news |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1696696/middle-east |title=Coronavirus-hit Iran to make masks compulsory from next week |date=28 June 2020 |work=Arab News }}

Restrictions were reimposed in Tehran for a week on 18 July 2020, and a three-day lockdown imposed on 22 cities and towns in the Khuzestan province the following day.

Iranian legislators advocated for the resignation of Education Minister Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei, after schools reopened to millions of students on 5 September 2020, following a seven-month shutdown. Members of parliament gathered signatures to remove him after he disregarded warnings from medical professionals.{{cite news |title=Iranian press review: Law proposed to allow military generals to run for president|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iranian-press-review-proposed-law-former-military-commander-run-president|work=Middle East Eye |date=10 September 2020}}

{{Broader|COVID-19 vaccination in Iran}}

File:Iran COVID19-Vaccination center.jpg

On 15 July 2020, Iran's Health Minister announced that the drug remdesivir would be produced locally in Iran.{{cite news|date=15 July 2020|title=Iran to start producing COVID-19 drug remdesivir next week|work=Tehran Times|url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/450069/Iran-to-start-producing-COVID-19-drug-remdesivir-next-week}} Another drug favipiravir would also be produced.{{cite news|date=23 July 2020|title=Iran claims to successfully test virus vaccine on animals, move to humans|work=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-claims-to-successfully-test-virus-vaccine-on-animals-move-to-humans/}}

U.S.-based philanthropists planned to send 150,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to Iran in the weeks following 28 December, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. But this was cancelled after Khamenei publicly banned American and British vaccines.

Deputy chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Mohammad Reza Naghdi, recommended against the use of foreign-made vaccines because they may contain messenger RNA.{{cite news|last1=Karimi|first1=Nasser|title=Iran says Pfizer vaccine batch expected from US benefactors|publisher=Yahoo! News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-says-pfizer-vaccine-batch-154058206.html}}

In December 2020, Iran agreed to import 16.8 million doses of vaccines through COVAX, the global collaboration to assure access to vaccines for low/middle income countries, at a cost of around $244 million. U.S. financial sanctions have made it difficult for Iran to purchase foreign vaccines directly, with the U.S. Treasury requiring that funds be transferred via a U.S. bank.{{cite news|date=25 December 2020|title=Iran says US approved its funds transfer to buy COVID vaccines|newspaper=Jerusalem Post|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/iran-says-us-approved-its-funds-transfer-to-buy-covid-vaccines-653228|access-date=30 December 2020}}{{cite news|last=Motamedi|first=Maziar|date=26 January 2021|title=Rouhani defends COVID vaccine efforts amid US pressure|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/26/rouhani-defends-covid-vaccine-efforts-amid-us-pressure|access-date=1 January 2021}}

The Iranian Red Crescent Society is planning to import a Chinese made vaccine.

On 18 April 2021, the National Headquarters for Coronavirus control reported the importation of 1,895,000 vaccine doses: 420,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia, 650,000 doses of the Sinopharm BIBP vaccine from China, 125,000 doses of Covaxin from India, and 700,000 doses of Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine from South Korea (via the World Health Organization's COVAX facility). The Ministry of Health and Medical Education announced that so far 376,684 people in Iran have received the first dose of Corona vaccine and 121,803 people the second dose of the vaccine.[https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/459979/Cuban-coronavirus-vaccine-to-start-third-clinical-trial-phase "Cuban coronavirus vaccine to start third clinical trial phase in Iran"]. TehranTimes.com. Retrieved 22 April 2021.

Up to 19 November 2021, Iran has imported a total of 148,784,308 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, including:{{cite web|date=2021-11-17|title=جزئیات واردات ۱۴۸.۷ میلیون دوز واکسن اعلام شد|url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1400082620897/جزئیات-واردات-۱۴۸-۷-میلیون-دوز-واکسن-اعلام-شد|access-date=2021-11-27|website=ایسنا|language=fa}}

• 131,498,898 doses of the Sinopharm BIBP vaccine from China.
• 7,850,600 doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine, including:
• 1,449,600 doses from China
• 1,700,800 doses from South Korea
• 1,452,00 doses from Italy
• 1,442,000 doses from Netherlands
• 1,000,000 doses from Austria
• 1,000,000 doses from Poland
• 963,000 doses from Russia
• 150,000 doses from Greece
• 4,091,200 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia.
• 1,125,000 doses of the Bharat Covaxin from India.

Multiple COVID-19 vaccines have started to be developed in Iran by private and public actors,{{cite journal|vauthors=Mallapaty S|date=August 2021|title=Iran hopes to defeat COVID with home-grown crop of vaccines|journal=Nature|volume=596|issue=7873|page=475|doi=10.1038/d41586-021-02216-z|pmid=34404947|bibcode=2021Natur.596..475M|s2cid=237198729|doi-access=free}}

Vaccine that have received emergency use authorization (EUA):

• COVIran Barekat: received EUA on 13 June 2021.{{cite web|title=FarsNews Agency Iran Licenses Emergency Injection of Home-Made Anti-Coronavirus Vaccine|url=https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14000324000606/Iran-Licenses-Emergency-Injecin-f-Hme-Made-Ani-Crnavirs-Vaccine|access-date=2021-09-10|website=www.farsnews.ir}}
• Pasteurcovac (or Soberana 02): developed in collaboration with Cuba, received EUA in Iran on 29 June 2021.{{cite web|date=2021-06-30|title=Second Iranian coronavirus vaccine gets emergency use license|url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/462621/Second-Iranian-coronavirus-vaccine-gets-emergency-use-license|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Tehran Times|language=en}}
• FAKHRAVAC: received EUA on 9 September 2021.{{cite web|title=Iran Authorizes Emergency Use of Third Homegrown Vaccine - Society/Culture news|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2021/09/09/2568712/iran-authorizes-emergency-use-of-third-homegrown-vaccine|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Tasnim News Agency|language=en}}
• COVAX-19: developed in collaboration with an Australian company,{{cite web|title=FarsNews Agency Iranian-Australian 'SpikoGen' COVID-19 Vaccine Starts 3rd Phase of Human Trial|url=https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14000516000327/Iranian-Asralian-%27SpikGen%27-COVID-9-Vaccine-Sars-3rd-Phase-f-Hman-Trial|access-date=2021-09-10|website=www.farsnews.ir}} received EUA in Iran on 6 October 2021.{{cite news|date=6 October 2021|title=Iran issues emergency permit for new local Covid-19 vaccine|publisher=Mehr News Agency|url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/179432/Iran-issues-emergency-permit-for-new-local-Covid-19-vaccine|access-date=11 October 2021}}
• Razi Cov Pars:{{cite web|date=2021-02-07|title=Iran unveils second homegrown COVID-19 vaccine|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/latest-on-coronavirus-outbreak/iran-unveils-second-homegrown-covid-19-vaccine/2136654|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-10|website=www.aa.com.tr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207120219/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/latest-on-coronavirus-outbreak/iran-unveils-second-homegrown-covid-19-vaccine/2136654 |archive-date=7 February 2021 }} received EUA on 31 October 2021.{{cite web|date=2021-10-31|title=مجوز مصرف اضطراری داوطلبانه واکسن کووپارس صبح امروز صادر شد|url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1400080906616/مجوز-مصرف-اضطراری-داوطلبانه-واکسن-کووپارس-صبح-امروز-صادر-شد|access-date=2021-11-27|website=ایسنا|language=fa}}

Other candidate vaccines that have reached human trials include:

• Noora{{cite news|date=27 June 2021|title=IRGC starts clinical trial of "Noora" coronavirus vaccine|publisher=Tehran Times|url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/462470/IRGC-starts-clinical-trial-of-Noora-coronavirus-vaccine|access-date=1 July 2021}}

Iran was reported to have started developing a COVID-19 vaccine in early March 2020.{{cite news |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/01/c_138833085.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411132204/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/01/c_138833085.htm |archive-date=11 April 2022 |title=Iranian researchers developing coronavirus medicine, vaccine: media|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=1 March 2020}} On 30 June, the Minister of Health announced that a human trial for COVID-19 vaccine would soon begin after tests on animals were shown to be successful.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-30/iran-says-to-start-human-trials-of-covid-19-vaccine-soon |title=Patrick Sykes |date=30 June 2020 |work=Bloomberg }}

On 29 December 2020 a Phase 1 clinical trial of COVIran, an inactivated whole virus vaccine made by Shifa Pharmed of the Barakat Pharmaceutical Group, began with 56 volunteers.{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-begins-human-trials-for-locally-made-coronavirus-vaccine/ |title=Iran begins human trials for locally made coronavirus vaccine |last=Vahdat |first=Amir |newspaper=The Times of Israel |date=29 December 2020 |access-date=30 December 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-iran-vaccine/iran-starts-human-testing-of-first-domestic-covid-19-vaccine-idUSL1N2J90BZ |title=Iran starts human testing of first domestic COVID-19 vaccine |work=Reuters |date=28 December 2020 |access-date=30 December 2020}}

In March 2021, Iran said that it is planning to start producing Russia's Sputnik V vaccine in April.{{cite web|date=26 March 2021|title=Iran plans to start making Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in April|url=https://arab.news/z7wct|access-date=27 March 2021|website=Arab News|language=en}}

The 4030 Call-System is an Iranian phone-based system which has been available since the first days of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran for expert consulting[https://www.iribnews.ir/fa/news/2680037/%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-4030-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%87%E2%80%8C-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%B5%D8%B5%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B2%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%88%DB%8C%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3 Setting up a 4030 system for expert advice on coronavirus] iribnews.ir. Retrieved 21 September 2020[https://farsi.iranpress.com/iran-i184896 4030 system answers to citizens' corona questions] iranpress.com. Retrieved 21 September 2020[https://www.isna.ir/news/99062216595/%D9%BE%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AE%DA%AF%D9%88%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DB%B2%DB%B0-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B3-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-4030 Answering more than 20 million corona calls in the 4030 system] Iranian Students News Agency. Retrieved 21 September 2020 and screening of coronavirus suspected cases.[https://www.dana.ir/news/1624261.html/%D8%A2%D9%86%DA%86%D9%87-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%DA%AF%D8%B1%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7--------%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D9%81%DB%8C%D9%84%D9%85 What you need to know about the Corona Screening System (4030)] dana.ir. Retrieved 21 September 2020 The system was launched by the Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order (Barakat Tel)[https://ana.press/fa/news/46/502912/%D8%B1%DA%A9%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AE%DA%AF%D9%88%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-17-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-4030-%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%86%D9%82%D8%B4-%D9%85%D9%87%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B9-%D8%AF%D8%BA%D8%AF%D8%BA%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%85-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA The record of answering 17 million calls in the 4030 system / Imam Farman Executive Headquarters has played an important role in resolving the corona concerns of the people] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024090314/https://ana.press/fa/news/46/502912/%D8%B1%DA%A9%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AE%DA%AF%D9%88%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-17-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-4030-%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%86%D9%82%D8%B4-%D9%85%D9%87%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B9-%D8%AF%D8%BA%D8%AF%D8%BA%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%85-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA |date=24 October 2020 }} ana.press. Retrieved 21 September 2020 and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and Iran Telecommunication to screen Iranian families.[https://snn.ir/fa/news/863052/%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%AC%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%81%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AA%E2%80%8C%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B1%D9%87 Deputy Minister of Health praises the activities of the Executive Headquarters of Imam Khomeini] snn.ir. Retrieved 21 September 2020 There are 2000 phone lines and 2,200 doctors/paramedics[https://en.irna.ir/news/83734550/Stop-lying-sanctions-be-honest-why-you-are-angry-Iranian The head of the public relations office of the Headquarters of Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order (EIKO) ...] irna Retrieved 29 September 2020 across the country[https://www.iribnews.ir/fa/news/2691619/4030-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%87%E2%80%8C-%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%B5%D8%B5%DB%8C-%D9%88-%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%DA%AF%D8%B1%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7 4030 A system for specialized counseling and corona screening] iribnews.ir. Retrieved 21 September 2020 who are servicing the system.

{{Further|Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

Image:Imported COVID-19 Cases from Iran.svg cases linked to Iranian clusters]]

On 20 February, a SARS-CoV-2 confirmed case was reported for a woman in her 30s who had arrived in Canada from Iran.{{cite web|url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-s-new-coronavirus-case-is-woman-who-recently-returned-from-iran-1.4821112|title=B.C.'s new coronavirus case is woman who recently returned from Iran|last=Holliday|first=Ian|date=20 February 2020|website=British Columbia|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221134501/https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-s-new-coronavirus-case-is-woman-who-recently-returned-from-iran-1.4821112|archive-date=21 February 2020|url-status=live}} On 25 February, a woman in her 60s, and the next day her husband, who was also in his 60s, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.{{cite web|url=https://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-husband-of-ontario-s-fifth-covid-19-case-test-positive-for-virus-1.4829825|title=Toronto husband of Ontario's fifth COVID-19 case test positive for virus|last=Herhalt|first=Chris|website=cp24|date=27 February 2020|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227133459/https://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-husband-of-ontario-s-fifth-covid-19-case-test-positive-for-virus-1.4829825|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}} On 21 February, Lebanon confirmed the first COVID-19 case, a 45-year-old woman travelling from Qom.{{cite web|url=https://arab.news/9byac|title=Lebanon confirms first coronavirus case as death toll hits 4 in Iran|date=21 February 2020|website=Arab News|access-date=21 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://time.com/5789360/iran-coronavirus-death-toll/|title=Iran COVID-19 Death Toll Reaches 8, With 43 Confirmed Infection Cases|date=23 February 2020|magazine=Time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225145921/https://time.com/5789360/iran-coronavirus-death-toll/|archive-date=25 February 2020}} On 24 February, neighbouring countries Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain announced that they had recorded their first coronavirus cases from people who came from Iran.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-gulf-idUSKCN20I0PB|title=Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq report coronavirus cases linked to Iran|date=24 February 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224143132/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-gulf-idUSKCN20I0PB|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}} According to Oman's Health Ministry, two Omani women who visited Iran were infected with the coronavirus. On 26 February, Pakistan announced two persons had been diagnosed with COVID-19, one of them known to have visited Iran.{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200226-pakistan-confirms-first-two-cases-of-coronavirus|title=Pakistan confirms first two cases of coronavirus|date=26 February 2020|publisher=France 24|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226203500/https://www.france24.com/en/20200226-pakistan-confirms-first-two-cases-of-coronavirus|archive-date=26 February 2020|url-status=live}} Georgia confirmed its first COVID-19 case, a 50-year-old Georgian man who returned from Iran.{{cite web|url=https://civil.ge/archives/340246|title=Georgia Confirms First Case of Coronavirus|date=26 February 2020|website=Civil.ge|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227050210/https://civil.ge/archives/340246|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}} China confirmed a man in Zhongwei, Ningxia, who returned from Iran, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.{{cite web |author1=新京报 |title=宁夏发现1例境外输入型新冠肺炎病例 急寻密切接触者 |url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/02/26/695546.html |language=zh |access-date=1 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226131611/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/02/26/695546.html |archive-date=26 February 2020 |url-status=live }} Estonia confirmed the first COVID-19 case, an Iranian citizen living in Estonia who returned from Iran.{{cite news |url=https://news.err.ee/1057196/first-coronavirus-case-found-in-estonia |title=First Coronavirus case found in Estonia |date=27 February 2020 |publisher=ERR News |location=Estonia |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227065704/https://news.err.ee/1057196/first-coronavirus-case-found-in-estonia |archive-date=27 February 2020 |url-status=live }} Kuwait confirmed 43 cases of COVID-19, all of them involved people who had travelled to Iran in February.{{cite news|author=Sara Al Shurafa|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-confirms-43-cases-of-coronavirus-all-coming-from-iran-1.1582789585309|title=Kuwait confirms 43 cases of coronavirus, all coming from Iran|date=27 February 2020|work=Gulf News|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227105047/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-confirms-43-cases-of-coronavirus-all-coming-from-iran-1.1582789585309|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}} Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Spain also confirmed new cases involving individuals with previous travel to Iran.{{cite web|url=https://news.trust.org/item/20200227142333-5k62k/|title=Lebanon health ministry confirms third case of coronavirus, NNA reports|website=news.trust.org|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227153900/https://news.trust.org/item/20200227142333-5k62k/|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/rheinland-pfalz/kaiserslautern/Neuer-Fall-in-Rheinland-Pfalz-Coronavirus-bei-Patienten-in-Kaiserslautern-festgestellt,corona-kaiserslautern-100.html|title=Coronavirus bei Patient in Kaiserslautern festgestellt|last1=Aktuell|first1=S. W. R.|website=swr.online|language=de|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227170424/https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/rheinland-pfalz/kaiserslautern/Neuer-Fall-in-Rheinland-Pfalz-Coronavirus-bei-Patienten-in-Kaiserslautern-festgestellt,corona-kaiserslautern-100.html|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fhi.no/nyheter/2020/tre-nye-personer-har-testet-positivt-pa-koronavirus/|title=Tre nye personer har testet positivt på koronavirus|website=Folkehelseinstituttet|date=19 April 2016 |language=no|access-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227202429/https://www.fhi.no/nyheter/2020/tre-nye-personer-har-testet-positivt-pa-koronavirus/|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.noticiascyl.com/t/1831553/fantasma-coronavirus-real-valladolid-primer-caso-confirmado|title=El fantasma del coronavirus ya es real en Valladolid con el primer caso confirmado|website=NoticiasCYL|date=27 February 2020|language=es|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227201722/https://www.noticiascyl.com/t/1831553/fantasma-coronavirus-real-valladolid-primer-caso-confirmado|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sll.se/verksamhet/halsa-och-vard/nyheter-halsa-och-vard/2020/02/corona/|title=Bekräftat fall av nya coronaviruset i Stockholm – patient vårdas isolerat på infektionsklinik|website=sll.se|language=sv|access-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228221711/https://www.sll.se/verksamhet/halsa-och-vard/nyheter-halsa-och-vard/2020/02/corona/|archive-date=28 February 2020|url-status=live}}*{{cite web|url=https://via.tt.se/embedded/release/nytt-bekraftat-fall-av-coronaviruset-i-uppsala-lan?publisherId=3235664&releaseId=3271212|title=Via TT|website=via.tt.se|access-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228221710/https://via.tt.se/embedded/release/nytt-bekraftat-fall-av-coronaviruset-i-uppsala-lan%3FpublisherId%3D3235664%26releaseId%3D3271212|archive-date=28 February 2020|url-status=live}} On 28 February, New Zealand and Belarus reported their first cases of COVID-19, both involving people who had travelled from Iran.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/28/new-zealand-confirms-first-coronavirus-case |title=New Zealand confirms first coronavirus case |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=28 February 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229001239/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/28/new-zealand-confirms-first-coronavirus-case |archive-date=29 February 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://eng.belta.by/society/view/belarus-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-128580-2020/ |title=Belarus confirms first case of coronavirus |date=28 February 202 |work=BelTa |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228223501/https://eng.belta.by/society/view/belarus-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-128580-2020/ |archive-date=28 February 2020 |url-status=live }} On 29 February, Qatar reported the first infection in a citizen who was evacuated from Iran.{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/qatar-reports-coronavirus-case-citizen-iran-200229144225648.html |title=Qatar reports first coronavirus case in citizen who was in Iran |date=29 February 2020 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229165654/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/qatar-reports-coronavirus-case-citizen-iran-200229144225648.html |archive-date=29 February 2020 |url-status=live }}

Image:13981214000744637189356214810969 نشست مدیران شهری با نمایندگان سازمان بهداشت جهانی.jpg representatives holding joint meeting with Tehran administrators]]

On 1 March, Armenia announced its first case of coronavirus infection, identified in a man who had returned from Iran.{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-identifies-first-coronavirus-man-returning-iran/30462231.html |title=Armenia Identifies First Coronavirus Case As Man Returning From Iran |date=1 March 2020 |work=Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303092218/https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-identifies-first-coronavirus-man-returning-iran/30462231.html |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 5 March, India confirmed a case in a citizen who recently travelled to Iran. Thailand announced the 46th and 47th confirmed cases in the country were a 22-year-old Chinese and 20-year-old Thai who had recently travelled to Iran.{{cite web|url=https://pr.moph.go.th/?url=pr/detail/2/04/139480|title=รายงานข่าวกรณีไวรัสโคโรนา 2019 (COVID-19) ประจำวันที่ 5 มีนาคม 2563|trans-title=Report of COVID-19 situation in Thailand, 5 March 2020|language=th|via=Ministry of Public Health, Thailand|date=5 March 2020|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315080632/https://pr.moph.go.th/?url=pr%2Fdetail%2F2%2F04%2F139480|archive-date=15 March 2020|url-status=live}} On 9 March, Iran was recognised as a source spreading coronavirus to other countries. All of Iran's neighbouring states put some kind of limitations on travel or closed their borders with Iran.{{cite web |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iranair-flights-to-europe-suspended-due-to-restrictions-imposed-coronavirus/30475819.html |title=IranAir Says All Flights To Europe Suspended Due To 'Restrictions' Imposed |publisher=En.radiofarda.com |date=8 March 2020 |access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312113259/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iranair-flights-to-europe-suspended-due-to-restrictions-imposed-coronavirus/30475819.html |archive-date=12 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Mujib |last=Mashal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/world/middleeast/coronavirus-iran.html |title='Recipe for a Massive Viral Outbreak': Iran Emerges as a Worldwide Threat |work=The New York Times |date=n.d.|access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312121420/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/world/middleeast/coronavirus-iran.html |archive-date=12 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Shanghai confirmed four imported cases from Iran.{{cite news|url=http://wsjkw.sh.gov.cn/xwfb/20200305/32478ccd37ec4e4c8b6fc4082d5d6252.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324144723/http://wsjkw.sh.gov.cn/xwfb/20200305/32478ccd37ec4e4c8b6fc4082d5d6252.html|archive-date=24 March 2020|title=今天0–12时，上海新增1例境外输入型新型冠状病毒肺炎确诊病例|date=5 March 2020|access-date=6 March 2020|publisher=Shanghai Municipal Health Commission}}{{cite news|url=http://wsjkw.sh.gov.cn/xwfb/20200306/4bda30d1a7334e819feb2c58d040a744.html|title=今天0–12时，上海新增3例境外输入型新型冠状病毒肺炎确诊病例|date=6 March 2020|access-date=6 March 2020|publisher=Shanghai Municipal Health Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324144734/http://wsjkw.sh.gov.cn/xwfb/20200306/4bda30d1a7334e819feb2c58d040a744.html|archive-date=24 March 2020}} The Chinese province of Gansu also confirmed 25 imported cases from Iran.{{cite news|url=http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84639.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805202210/http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84639.html|archive-date=5 August 2020|title=甘肃新增11例境外输入新冠肺炎累计确诊病例102例|date=5 March 2020|access-date=6 March 2020|publisher=Gansu Provincial Health Commission}}{{cite news|url=http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84677.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308065142/http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84677.html|archive-date=8 March 2021|title=甘肃新增17例境外输入新冠肺炎 累计境外输入确诊病例28例|date=6 March 2020|access-date=6 March 2020|publisher=Gansu Provincial Health Commission}}{{cite news|url=http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84679.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811045509/http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84679.html|archive-date=11 August 2020|title=甘肃新增1例境外输入新冠肺炎 累计境外输入确诊病例29例|date=7 March 2020|access-date=7 March 2020|publisher=Gansu Provincial Health Commission}}{{cite news|url=http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84682.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101011116/http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84682.html|archive-date=1 November 2020|title=甘肃新增4例境外输入新冠肺炎确诊病例 累计境外输入新冠肺炎确诊病例33例|date=8 March 2020|access-date=8 March 2020|publisher=Gansu Provincial Health Commission}}{{cite news|url=http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84732.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811045535/http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84732.html|archive-date=11 August 2020|title=甘肃新增1例境外输入新冠肺炎确诊病例 累计境外输入新冠肺炎确诊病例34例|date=10 March 2020|access-date=12 March 2020|publisher=Gansu Provincial Health Commission}}{{cite news|url=http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84754.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308105144/http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84754.html|archive-date=8 March 2021|title=甘肃新增2例境外输入新冠肺炎确诊病例 累计境外输入新冠肺炎确诊病例36例|date=11 March 2020|access-date=12 March 2020|publisher=Gansu Provincial Health Commission}}{{cite news|url=http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84805.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811045614/http://wsjk.gansu.gov.cn/single/10910/84805.html|archive-date=11 August 2020|title=甘肃新增3例境外输入新冠肺炎确诊病例 累计境外输入确诊病例41例 甘肃本地新冠肺炎住院病例和密接人员实现双清零|date=14 March 2020|access-date=14 March 2020|publisher=Gansu Provincial Health Commission}}{{excessive citations inline|date=June 2021}}

On 6 October 2020, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, urged the Iranian authority to release imprisoned human rights defenders, lawyers, political prisoners, and peaceful protesters amid concerns over their situation and heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 due to poor sanitary conditions and overcrowding of prisons.{{cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/10/1074722|title=UN rights chief urges Iran to release jailed human rights defenders, citing COVID-19 risk|access-date=6 October 2020|website=UN News|date=6 October 2020}}

On 23 February 2020, Georgia suspended flights to and from Iran.{{cite web |url=https://agenda.ge/en/news/2020/558 |title=Georgia suspends direct flights with Iran amid coronavirus outbreak |work=Agenda.ge |date=23 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303134819/https://agenda.ge/en/news/2020/558 |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On the same day, Pakistan,{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/273901-pakistan-seals-taftan|title=Pakistan seals Taftan border after coronavirus situation deteriorates in Iran|date=23 February 2020|website=geo.tv|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223165746/https://www.geo.tv/latest/273901-pakistan-seals-taftan|archive-date=23 February 2020|url-status=live}} Turkey,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-turkey/turkey-shuts-iran-border-halts-flights-due-to-coronavirus-idUSKCN20H0GH|title=Turkey shuts Iran border, halts flights due to coronavirus|date=23 February 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223203508/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-turkey/turkey-shuts-iran-border-halts-flights-due-to-coronavirus-idUSKCN20H0GH|archive-date=23 February 2020|url-status=live}} Afghanistan, and Armenia closed their land borders with Iran.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2020/02/neighbours-close-borders-iran-virus-concerns-rise-200223160135283.html|title=Neighbours close borders with Iran as virus concerns rise|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224050602/https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2020/02/neighbours-close-borders-iran-virus-concerns-rise-200223160135283.html|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}} Afghanistan stopped all forms of travel to and from Iran with three suspected cases reported, while Turkey stopped all incoming flights from Iran.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/23/turkey-and-pakistan-close-borders-with-iran-over-coronavirus-deaths|title=Turkey and Pakistan close borders with Iran over coronavirus deaths|first=Patrick|last=Wintour|date=23 February 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225224333/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/23/turkey-and-pakistan-close-borders-with-iran-over-coronavirus-deaths|archive-date=25 February 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1632051/world |title=Pakistan, Turkey, Armenia close Iranian border, Afghanistan bans travel over coronavirus fears |first1=Naimat |last1=Khan |first2=Sayed |last2=Salahuddin |date=27 February 2020 |work=Arab News |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225205628/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1632051/world |archive-date=25 February 2020 |url-status=live }} On 24 February, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, and Tajikistan{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan-suspends-flights-to-iran-over-coronavirus/30451515.html |title=Tajikistan Suspends Flights To Iran Over Coronavirus |date=24 February 2020 |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228225220/https://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan-suspends-flights-to-iran-over-coronavirus/30451515.html |archive-date=28 February 2020 |url-status=live }} restricted and suspended all flights from and to Iran.{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/kuwait-bahrain-announce-first-covid-19-cases-12464358|title=Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq report coronavirus cases linked to Iran|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=24 February 2020|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224203107/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/kuwait-bahrain-announce-first-covid-19-cases-12464358|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-oman/oman-reports-first-two-cases-of-coronavirus-halts-flights-to-iran-tv-idUSKCN20I1LL|title=Oman reports first two cases of coronavirus, halts flights to Iran: TV|work=Reuters|date=24 February 2020|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224203107/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-oman/oman-reports-first-two-cases-of-coronavirus-halts-flights-to-iran-tv-idUSKCN20I1LL|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}} Citizens of the United Arab Emirates were banned from travelling to Iran.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-24/kuwait-bahrain-report-cases-of-coronavirus-linked-to-iran|title=U.A.E. Bans Citizens From Iran Travel as Virus Cases Climb|website=Bloomberg|date=24 February 2020|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224103359/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-24/kuwait-bahrain-report-cases-of-coronavirus-linked-to-iran|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}} Armenia also suspended flights to Iran but scheduled flights to repatriate its citizens from Iran.{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-coronavirus-repatriate-citizens-iran/30453491.html |title=Armenia To Repatriate Citizens From Iran Amid Coronavirus Outbreak |date=25 February 2020 |work=Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303042815/https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-coronavirus-repatriate-citizens-iran/30453491.html |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 26 February, Kazakhstan announced a plan to stop flights to and from Iran starting 1 March.{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/world-braces-for-spread-of-new-virus-as-more-countries-report-first-cases/30455787.html |title=Kazakhstan Suspending Flights To Iran Over Coronavirus; Russia Issues Travel Warning |date=26 February 2020 |work=Radio Farda |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227160356/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/world-braces-for-spread-of-new-virus-as-more-countries-report-first-cases/30455787.html |archive-date=27 February 2020 |url-status=live }} On 27 February, Russia announced that it would limit flights to and from Iran except for those operated by Aeroflot and Mahan Air, and would also stop issuing visas to Iranian citizens starting 28 February.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-russia-iran/russia-suspends-some-flights-between-russia-and-iran-over-coronavirus-idUSKCN20L2D3 |title=Russia suspends some flights between Russia and Iran over coronavirus |work=Reuters |date=27 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303142334/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-russia-iran/russia-suspends-some-flights-between-russia-and-iran-over-coronavirus-idUSKCN20L2D3 |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }} New Zealand announced temporary restrictions on people travelling from Iran.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/119899280/ministry-of-health-gives-latest-update-on-novel-coronavirus|title=Coronavirus: First case of virus in New Zealand|website=Stuff|date=28 February 2020|access-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228171221/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/119899280/ministry-of-health-gives-latest-update-on-novel-coronavirus|archive-date=28 February 2020|url-status=live}} Malaysia set up separate immigration lanes for travellers from countries with major COVID-19 outbreaks, including Iran.{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/coronavirus-malaysia-bars-south-korea-travellers-covid-19-12480676|title=COVID-19: Malaysia bars travellers from South Korea, confirms 2 new cases|website=CNA|access-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229012254/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/coronavirus-malaysia-bars-south-korea-travellers-covid-19-12480676|archive-date=29 February 2020|url-status=live}} The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded the status of Iran to level 3 (avoid non-essential travels due to widespread community transmission).{{cite web|url=https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/coronavirus-iran|title=Coronavirus in Iran – Warning – Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel – Travel Health Notices {{!}} Travelers' Health {{!}} CDC|publisher=Centres for Disease Control and Prevention|access-date=29 February 2020}} On 29 February, Australia announced a ban on foreigners arriving directly from Iran, and required them to stay in a third country for 14 days before entering Australia. A woman returning from Iran had also tested positive for the virus.{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-29/australia-announces-iran-travel-ban/12013884 |title=Australia announces Iran travel ban amid COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak |first=Dan |last=Conifer |date=29 February 2020 |work=ABC |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229073205/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-29/australia-announces-iran-travel-ban/12013884 |archive-date=29 February 2020 |url-status=live }} Azerbaijan later closed its border with Iran as two Azeri citizens were confirmed to have been infected in Iran.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-iran-azerbaijan/azerbaijan-closes-border-with-iran-over-coronavirus-concerns-idUSKBN20N0MY |title=Azerbaijan shuts border with Iran over coronavirus concern |date=29 February 2020 |work=Reuters |access-date=1 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301055729/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-iran-azerbaijan/azerbaijan-closes-border-with-iran-over-coronavirus-concerns-idUSKBN20N0MY |archive-date=1 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

On 2 March, Sweden announced that it had suspended flights operated by Iran Air, the first country to ban flights by the airline.{{cite news |url=https://www.thelocal.se/20200302/sweden-bans-flights-from-iran-over-coronavirus-fears |title=Sweden halts flights from Iran over coronavirus fears |work=The Local Sweden |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303140158/https://www.thelocal.se/20200302/sweden-bans-flights-from-iran-over-coronavirus-fears |archive-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 4 March, Thailand declared that all people travelling from Iran must be quarantined for 14 days.{{cite web|url=https://mgronline.com/qol/detail/9630000021535|title="อนุทิน" เซ็นประกาศ สธ.กำหนด 9 ประเทศเป็นเขตติดโรคติดต่ออันตราย ทุกคนที่เดินทางมาต้องกักตัว 14 วัน สกัดโควิด-19|date=4 March 2020|access-date=5 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304074612/https://mgronline.com/qol/detail/9630000021535|archive-date=4 March 2020|url-status=live}} Iraq and Azerbaijan stopped allowing trucks and imports from Iran; earlier on 29 February Azerbaijan had closed its borders to the people coming from Iran.{{cite web|url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/azerbaijan-and-iraq-close-borders-to-imports-from-iran/30470820.html|title=Azerbaijan And Iraq Close Borders To Imports From Iran|website=RFE/RL|date=5 March 2020 |access-date=8 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306152239/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/azerbaijan-and-iraq-close-borders-to-imports-from-iran/30470820.html|archive-date=6 March 2020|url-status=live}} On 6 March, Russia announced that it would temporary ban visitors arriving from Iran starting the next day.{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/russia-closes-border-with-iran-over-coronavirus-fears/1757573 |title=Russia closes border with Iran over coronavirus fears |first=Elena |last=Teslova |date=7 March 2020 |publisher=Anadolu Agency |access-date=8 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307191959/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/russia-closes-border-with-iran-over-coronavirus-fears/1757573 |archive-date=7 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

The UN's Children Fund (UNICEF) has flown aid into Iran. In late February, the first cargo plane with personal protective equipment (PPE) arrived, followed by another on 3 March and a third on 16 March. On 3 March, the United Arab Emirates sent an aircraft with medical supplies and five WHO experts. Uzbekistan sent a plane on 16 March.{{cite web|url=https://ifpnews.com/unicef-uae-uzbekistan-send-aid-to-iran-amid-coronavirus-outbreak|title=UNICEF, UAE, Uzbekistan Send Aid to Iran amid Coronavirus Outbreak|date=17 March 2020|access-date=20 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320080754/https://ifpnews.com/unicef-uae-uzbekistan-send-aid-to-iran-amid-coronavirus-outbreak|archive-date=20 March 2020|url-status=live}}

The fifth batch of testing kits was dispatched to Iran by the World Health Organization on 28 February. Russia provided Iran with 500 kits for 50,000 tests.{{cite news |title=Russia Supplies Ex-Soviet States, Iran, North Korea with Coronavirus Test Kits |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/03/12/russia-supplies-ex-soviet-states-iran-north-korea-with-coronavirus-test-kits-a69597 |work=The Moscow Times |date=12 March 2020}} A group of Chinese medical experts with a new pack of humanitarian aid entered Iran on 29 February.{{cite news|url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/102401/more-int-l-medical-aid-arrives-in-iran|title=More Int'l Medical Aid Arrives in Iran|date=29 February 2020|agency=financial tribune|access-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301004140/https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/102401/more-int-l-medical-aid-arrives-in-iran|archive-date=1 March 2020|url-status=live}} The Chinese Defense Ministry announced on 20 March that test kits, protective suits, and medical masks provided by the People's Liberation Army were handed to the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/march_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/chinese_army_donates_medical_supplies_to_iranian_army_to_fight_coronavirus.html |title=Chinese army donates medical supplies to Iranian army to fight coronavirus |date=20 March 2020 |access-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321051219/https://www.armyrecognition.com/march_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/chinese_army_donates_medical_supplies_to_iranian_army_to_fight_coronavirus.html |archive-date=21 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

On 23 March, the European Union pledged €20m in humanitarian assistance. The EU said that it was committed to helping Iran combat the pandemic and said that it would further support Iran's plea for IMF financial help.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-eu-iran/eu-to-provide-20-mln-euros-in-humanitarian-aid-to-iran-idUSL8N2BG6OK|title=EU to provide 20 mln euros in humanitarian aid to Iran|access-date=23 March 2020|work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324034339/https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-eu-iran/eu-to-provide-20-mln-euros-in-humanitarian-aid-to-iran-idUSL8N2BG6OK|archive-date=24 March 2020|url-status=live}}

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would be willing to provide coronavirus aid, such as ventilators, to Iran to help deal with the pandemic "if they ask for it."{{cite news |title=Trump says he'd be willing to give coronavirus aid to Iran |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/middle-east-north-africa/493599-trump-says-hed-be-willing-to-give-coronavirus |work=The Hill |date=19 April 2020}}

The Iranian embassy in London claims that "US sanctions have made it difficult for governmental and non-governmental institutions to provide medication for people who are infected by the coronavirus. Sending medical supplies to Iran through the recently established Swiss channel requires written permission from the US. Recently, sanctions on 12 new Iranian entities were imposed by the US Department of State. According to the Trump administration, Iran is using sanctions "as an excuse to hide their own incompetence, including a reluctance to take the necessary tough measures to restrict population movements".{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/uk-presses-us-to-ease-iran-sanctions-to-help-fight-coronavirus |title=UK presses US to ease Iran sanctions to help fight coronavirus |work=The Guardian |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320191936/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/uk-presses-us-to-ease-iran-sanctions-to-help-fight-coronavirus |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }} It is argued that while the sanctions legally allow pharmaceuticals and humanitarian products to be sold to Iran, due to their nature, very few banks are willing to risk sanctions by trading with Iran.,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51642926|title=Iran Corona Virus|date=29 February 2020|publisher=BBC|access-date=29 February 2020|quote=But Iran says companies find it difficult to process payments with banks unwilling to risk breaking US rules and risk sanctions themselves|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228031515/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51642926|archive-date=28 February 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/03/iran-coronavirus-spreads-sanctions-covid19-iranian-doctors-fear-worst/|title=As Coronavirus Spreads, Iranian Doctors Fear the Worst|date=6 March 2020|work=Foreign Affairs|access-date=6 March 2020|quote=Should Iranian manufacturers run out of these raw materials, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to effectively contain and treat COVID-19 in Iran.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304133129/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/03/iran-coronavirus-spreads-sanctions-covid19-iranian-doctors-fear-worst/|archive-date=4 March 2020|url-status=live}} which has severely limited the medical supplies available to the Iranian public health system in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. One right-wing lobby group in the United States, United Against Nuclear Iran, has argued that all global humanitarian trade with Iran should be stopped and medical supplies should be prevented from reaching the country.{{cite news|url=https://theintercept.com/2020/03/05/iran-coronavirus-medicine-sanctions/|title=Amid Coronavirus Outbreak, Trump-aligned Pressure Group Pushes to Stop Medicine Sales to Iran|date=6 March 2020|access-date=6 March 2020|quote=UANI's efforts, however, have extended beyond sanctions into pressuring companies that do legal trade with Iran, often under the Treasury Department's humanitarian exemptions to sanctions — including medical-related trades that would presumably aid in combating a massive public health crisis like this coronavirus outbreak.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306000824/https://theintercept.com/2020/03/05/iran-coronavirus-medicine-sanctions/|archive-date=6 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Rouhani wrote a public letter to world leaders asking for help, saying that Iran did not have access to international markets due to the sanctions.{{cite news |title=U.S. sanctions 'severely hamper' Iran coronavirus fight, Rouhani says |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/us-sanctions-severely-hamper-iran-coronavirus-fight-rouhani-idUSKBN2110HL |work=Reuters |date=14 March 2020 |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319011538/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/us-sanctions-severely-hamper-iran-coronavirus-fight-rouhani-idUSKBN2110HL |archive-date=19 March 2020 |url-status=live }} The UK, Pakistan, China, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Group of 77 all urged the US to ease sanctions on Iran to help it fight the growing COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|last=Wintour|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/uk-presses-us-to-ease-iran-sanctions-to-help-fight-coronavirus|title=UK presses US to ease Iran sanctions to help fight coronavirus|date=18 March 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=20 March 2020|url-status=live|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320191936/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/uk-presses-us-to-ease-iran-sanctions-to-help-fight-coronavirus|archive-date=20 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/pakistan-pm-urges-halt-sanctions-coronavirus-hit-iran-200320155952750.html|title=Pakistan PM urges US to halt sanctions on coronavirus-hit Iran|last=Usaid|first=Siddiqui|date=20 March 2020|publisher=Al Jazeera|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321082900/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/pakistan-pm-urges-halt-sanctions-coronavirus-hit-iran-200320155952750.html|archive-date=21 March 2020|access-date=21 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://cepr.net/press-release/us-government-should-immediately-lift-economic-sanctions-to-avoid-causing-more-deaths-from-pandemic-economists-say/|title=US Government Should Immediately Lift Economic Sanctions to Avoid Causing More Deaths From Pandemic, Economists Say|date=18 March 2020|website=Center for Economic and Policy Research|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321082902/https://cepr.net/press-release/us-government-should-immediately-lift-economic-sanctions-to-avoid-causing-more-deaths-from-pandemic-economists-say/|archive-date=21 March 2020|access-date=21 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=U.S. to Iran: Coronavirus won't save you from sanctions |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-usa-idUSKBN21712L |access-date=22 March 2020 |work=Reuters |date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321233214/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-usa-idUSKBN21712L |archive-date=21 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/255747-united-nations-urges-easing-sanctions-iran-others-coronavirus|title=U.N. urges easing of sanctions on Iran, others facing virus|date=24 March 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=24 March 2020|url-status=live|agency=Agence France-Presse|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324182551/https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/255747-united-nations-urges-easing-sanctions-iran-others-coronavirus|archive-date=24 March 2020}} Khamenei has also stated that he does not trust that the United States would provide medicine because it could "spread the virus more".{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/irans-khamenei-rejects-us-help-offer-vows-to-defeat-coronavirus-idUSKBN21909Y|title=Iran's Khamenei rejects U.S. help offer, vows to defeat coronavirus|access-date=22 March 2020|work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403012415/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/irans-khamenei-rejects-us-help-offer-vows-to-defeat-coronavirus-idUSKBN21909Y|archive-date=3 April 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-leader-refuses-cites-coronavirus-conspiracy-theory-200322145122752.html|title=Iran leader refuses US help; cites coronavirus conspiracy theory|access-date=23 March 2020|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322223837/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-leader-refuses-cites-coronavirus-conspiracy-theory-200322145122752.html|archive-date=22 March 2020|url-status=live}}

The United States Government rejected allegations by Iran and asserted that sanctions do not include the import of medicine and medical facilities to Iran. Morgan Ortagus, the spokeswoman for the State Department, suggested that Iran use the funds from Setad to fight COVID-19.{{cite web |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/us-tells-khamenei-to-use-billions-in-hedge-fund-to-combat-coronavirus/30519691.html |title=US Tells Khamenei To Use 'Billions In Hedge Fund' To Combat Coronavirus |date=31 March 2020 |access-date=2 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401170426/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/us-tells-khamenei-to-use-billions-in-hedge-fund-to-combat-coronavirus/30519691.html |archive-date=1 April 2020 |url-status=live }} On 6 April 2020, Iran announced it would be withdrawing 1 billion euros from the sovereign wealth fund to fight COVID-19{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-fund-idUSKBN21O23U|title=Iran supreme leader approves tapping sovereign wealth fund to fight coronavirus|date=6 April 2020|work=Reuters}}

According to a press statement from the U.S. Department of State, "Regime officials stole over a billion Euros intended for medical supplies, and continue to hoard desperately needed masks, gloves, and other medical equipment for sale on the black market." It also said that U.S. sanctions against Iran have not targeted food, medicine, or medical equipment imports.{{cite web|date=29 July 2020|title=Khamenei's Lies About the Wuhan Virus Put Lives at Risk|url=https://www.state.gov/khameneis-lies-about-the-wuhan-virus-put-lives-at-risk/|via=state.gov}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Iran medical cases}}

{{POV section|date=March 2020}}

The figures given by the MOHME have been disputed both inside and outside Iran, including by members of the Iranian Parliament.

In February 2020, an image of a letter from the MOHME to the office of the President that circulated on social media that suggested that Iranian authorities were aware of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths many days before the official announcement. Government officials said that the letter was fake and that COVID-19 cases had not been detected in Iran yet.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran-51521216|title=وزارت بهداشت ایران ارسال نامه درباره موارد ابتلا و مرگ در اثر کرونا را تکذیب کرد|date=16 February 2020|work=BBC News فارسی|access-date=23 February 2020|language=fa}}{{cite news|url=https://www.radiozamaneh.com/489362|title=معاون وزیر بهداشت ابتلای ۴۵ نفر به کرونا را تکذیب کرد|date=16 February 2020|work=Radio Zamaneh|access-date=26 February 2020|language=fa}} On 20 February 2020, another image of a letter circulated on social media, in which interior minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli allegedly requested to Health Minister Saeed Namaki that the presentation of COVID-19 statistics in the country be postponed until after the parliamentary election. The government also denied the authenticity of this letter and reiterated that no COVID-19 cases had been detected in the country yet.{{cite news|url=https://www.radiofarda.com/a/iran-health-ministry-denies-letter-warning-related-to-coronavirus-elections/30443145.html|title=نامه منتسب به وزیر کشور در ارتباط با انتخابات و ویروس کرونا تکذیب شد|website=رادیو فردا|date=19 February 2020 |language=fa|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221135004/https://www.radiofarda.com/a/iran-health-ministry-denies-letter-warning-related-to-coronavirus-elections/30443145.html|archive-date=21 February 2020|url-status=live }}

On 9 March, Graeme Wood stated that he deems the official count "certainly an undercount", and provided alternative estimates which he calls "doomsday figures".{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/irans-coronavirus-problem-lot-worse-it-seems/607663/ |first=Graeme |last=Wood |title=Iran Has Far More Coronavirus Cases Than It Is Letting On |work=The Atlantic |date=9 March 2020 |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309232036/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/irans-coronavirus-problem-lot-worse-it-seems/607663/ |archive-date=9 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

Some researchers have used the vital registration data from the National Organization for Civil Registration of Iran and estimated that around 5000 excess deaths have happened in winter. They argue most of these deaths were due to COVID-19, meaning the real number of COVID-19 deaths was about five times larger than the official count.{{cite web |last1=Ghafari |first1=Mahan |last2=Madani |first2=Kaveh |title=In search of the murder: Making sense of Iran's reported deaths |url=https://medium.com/@kavehmadani/in-search-of-the-murder-making-sense-of-irans-reported-deaths-4279d2b03175 |website=Medium |date=26 May 2020 |access-date=13 July 2020}}{{cite journal |last1=Tadbiri |first1=Hooman |last2=Moradi-Lakeh |first2=Maziar |last3=Naghavi |first3=Mohsen |title=All-cause excess mortality and COVID-19-related deaths in Iran |journal=Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran |date=15 July 2020 |volume=34 |issue=1 |pages=561–566 |pmid=33306040 |pmc=7711045 |url=http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-6842-en.pdf}}

On 28 February, Michael Ryan, chief of the WHO health emergencies programme, told the press that the mortality rate in Iran indicated its outbreak might be more widespread than realised.

On 2 March, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom said in an interview with CNBC that the WHO has its own mechanism for checking national health authorities' statistics and did not see problems with the official Iranian government SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 counts.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/03/02/no-evidence-of-iranian-cover-up-in-virus-crisis-so-far-who.html|title=WHO chief says no evidence of Iranian cover-up in virus crisis so far|date=2 March 2020|publisher=CNBC|access-date=5 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303161026/https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/03/02/no-evidence-of-iranian-cover-up-in-virus-crisis-so-far-who.html|archive-date=3 March 2020|url-status=live}}

On 17 March, WHO regional emergency director Rick Brennan said the number of cases reported in Iran could represent only about 20% of the real numbers because testing was restricted to severe cases, as is the case even in some wealthy European countries. He added, "We've said the weakest link in their chain is the data. They are rapidly increasing their ability to test and so the numbers will go up... There's a great commitment and they are taking it seriously from the highest level of government."{{citation|title=WHO to start coronavirus testing in rebel Syria; Iran raises efforts, official says|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-mideast/who-to-start-coronavirus-testing-in-rebel-syria-iran-raises-efforts-official-says-idUSKBN2133PK|first=Emma|last=Farge|editor-first=Grant|editor-last=McCool|work=Reuters|date=17 March 2020|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316212446/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-mideast/who-to-start-coronavirus-testing-in-rebel-syria-iran-raises-efforts-official-says-idUSKBN2133PK|archive-date=16 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Masoud Pezeshkian, the First Deputy of the Parliament of Iran, claimed on 3 March that the figures reported by the MOHME are "not real".{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/04/Iran-s-death-toll-due-to-coronavirus-not-real-Iranian-official.html |title=Iran's official figures on coronavirus cases 'not real': Iranian official |date=4 March 2020 |access-date=5 March 2020 |publisher=Al Arabiya English |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304213114/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/04/Iran-s-death-toll-due-to-coronavirus-not-real-Iranian-official.html |archive-date=4 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Member of parliament for Qom Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani claimed on 24 February that COVID-19 had arrived in Qom three weeks prior, in early February, that the first death had occurred on 13 February but was not announced by officials, and that the true number of COVID-19 deaths in Qom was 50.{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-lawmaker-says-fifty-died-of-coronavirus-in-qom-alone-as-crisis-deepens/30451096.html |title=Iran Lawmaker Says Fifty Died Of Coronavirus in Qom Alone, As Crisis Deepens |date=24 February 2020 |work=Radio Farda |access-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225164803/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-lawmaker-says-fifty-died-of-coronavirus-in-qom-alone-as-crisis-deepens/30451096.html |archive-date=25 February 2020 |url-status=live }} Deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi denied giving false figures.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/coronavirus-dead-in-iranian-city-of-qom|title=Coronavirus: Iran denies cover-up after reports of 50 deaths|author1=Sam Jones|author2=Aamna Mohdin|date=24 February 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224153012/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/coronavirus-dead-in-iranian-city-of-qom|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}}

As two MOHME officials, a former ministry official and three doctors claimed, Iranian authorities knew of an increasing number of patients with lung infections and high fever in Qom in early January but they did not announce the news until weeks later because of the upcoming elections.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-qom/elections-ties-with-china-shaped-irans-coronavirus-response-idUSKBN21K1NO |title=Elections, ties with China shaped Iran's coronavirus response|work=Reuters |access-date=7 April 2020}}

On 2 February 2022, According to a senior MP, as the Omicron strain spreads unabated across Iran, 50 members of the country's 290-seat parliament have contracted COVID-19. According to MP Alireza Salimi, the parliamentary session this week will be held in compliance with health laws.{{cite news|agency=Reuters|date=February 5, 2022|title=Some 50 Iranian MPs test positive for Covid-19 as Omicron rages, says lawmaker|page=1|work=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/05/middleeast/iranian-mps-covid-intl/index.html|access-date=February 6, 2022}}

On 28 February, BBC reported 210 deaths had occurred in Iran, citing "sources in the country's health system", while the official number for the day was 34.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51673053|title=Coronavirus kills 210 in Iran – hospital sources|date=28 February 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229151242/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51673053|archive-date=29 February 2020|url-status=live}} MOHME spokesman Jahanpur rejected the BBC report in a tweet.{{cite news |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-iran-casualties/at-least-210-people-have-died-from-coronavirus-in-iran-bbc-persian-idUSKCN20M2RL | title=Iran rejects BBC Persian report of at least 210 coronavirus deaths | newspaper=Thomson Reuters | date=28 February 2020 | access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date= 28 February 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200228203743/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-iran-casualties/at-least-210-people-have-died-from-coronavirus-in-iran-bbc-persian-idUSKCN20M2RL |url-status=live}}

On 12 March, The Economist wrote that "[s]ome in the government think the actual number of cases is closer to 100,000", while the official count of infected people was about 9,000.{{cite news|title= Iran has let its covid-19 outbreak get out of hand|url= https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/03/12/iran-has-let-its-covid-19-outbreak-get-out-of-hand|newspaper= The Economist|date= 12 March 2020|access-date= 13 March 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200312135704/https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/03/12/iran-has-let-its-covid-19-outbreak-get-out-of-hand|archive-date= 12 March 2020|url-status= live}}

On 22 March, Radio Farda reported that, "based on the statements made by local officials in various parts of Iran", around 2,372 have died, while the official death toll reached 1,556.{{cite web | title='No Lockdown' Says Rouhani As Nearly 14,000 Iranians Contract COVID-19 | website=Radio Farda | date=15 March 2020 | url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/no-lockdown-says-rouhani-as-nearly-14-000-iranians-contract-covid-19/30489072.html | access-date=15 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316131034/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/no-lockdown-says-rouhani-as-nearly-14-000-iranians-contract-covid-19/30489072.html | archive-date=16 March 2020 | url-status=live }} Radio Farda also said on 21 March that since Iran's government statistics only included those who had tested positive for the disease, due to a lack of test kits, deaths may be registered as respiratory complications or influenza. They put their estimate of the number of infections at 16,000 in Tehran alone when the official figure given was 20,610 for the whole country on that date.{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/exclusive-more-than-47-000-coronavirus-patients-in-iran-hospitals-2-216-dead/30501369.html |title=Exclusive: More Than 47,000 Coronavirus Patients In Iran Hospitals, 2,216 Dead |date=21 March 2020 |work=Radio Farda |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328144213/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/exclusive-more-than-47-000-coronavirus-patients-in-iran-hospitals-2-216-dead/30501369.html |archive-date=28 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

On 3 August the BBC reported that leaked Iranian government records were showing deaths at almost 42,000 on 20 July, almost 3 times the ministry reports of 14,405, with those infected at 451,024 as opposed to 278,827. The BBC reported that the death statistics in government documents, sent by an anonymous source, suggests deliberate suppression of the numbers. The data showed that the first recorded death was on 22 January, nearly a month before Iran announced its first case on 19 February, with 52 deaths occurring in this gap. Other concerns revealed by the data include that immigrants are statistically much more likely to die of COVID-19 in Iran, with 1,916 deaths in the country from the disease not being Iranian nationals, and that at one point during reporting in March the number of deaths was five times higher than the official numbers provided by the health ministry – the rise in cases was becoming increasingly steep but the spread was not being reported.{{cite news|date=3 August 2020|title=Iran cover-up of Covid-19 deaths revealed by data leak|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53598965|access-date=3 August 2020}}

Image:3407559 تدفین متوفیان مبتلا به کرونا در آرامستان بهشت معصومه.jpg

On 12 March, The Washington Post published satellite images and analysis provided by Maxar Technologies, saying that vast burial pits were being excavated near Qom, said to be used to accommodate the victims in the city. The digging of the new section of burial pits began on 21 February, only two days after the government announced their first cases of COVID-19, and then rapidly expanded. The number of fresh graves suggests preparation for a far larger number of deaths.*{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/iran-coronavirus-outbreak-graves|title=Coronavirus burial pit so vast they're visible from space|first1=Erin|last1=Cunningham|first2=Dalton|last2=Bennett|date=12 March 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313055935/https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/iran-coronavirus-outbreak-graves/|archive-date=13 March 2020}}{{YouTube|id=fjuWyXzKBIw|title=Iran is building a massive grave for coronavirus victims}}. published on 13 March 2020 by The Washington Post

Brian Hook, the US State Department's envoy on Iran, said that the Iranian government had lied "and their media was instructed not to report on the COVID-19 pandemic as it rapidly spread from the religious city of Qom to other cities". US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a number of accusation against Khamenei in March, saying that Khamenei had lied about the outbreak in Iran and continued to keep Mahan Air flying to and from China in February, spreading the virus and putting lives at risk, as well as jailing those who spoke out, and that funds for coronavirus had been stolen by officials.{{cite web |url=https://www.state.gov/khameneis-lies-about-the-wuhan-virus-put-lives-at-risk/ |title=Khamenei's Lies About the Wuhan Virus Put Lives at Risk |first=Michael R. |last=Pompeo |date=23 March 2020 |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328115902/https://www.state.gov/khameneis-lies-about-the-wuhan-virus-put-lives-at-risk/ |archive-date=28 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/pompeo-tells-khamenei-speaking-the-truth-to-iranians-best-biological-defense-/30485446.html |title=Pompeo Tells Khamenei Speaking The Truth To Iranians 'Best Biological Defense' |date=13 March 2020 |work=Radio Farda |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328124411/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/pompeo-tells-khamenei-speaking-the-truth-to-iranians-best-biological-defense-/30485446.html |archive-date=28 March 2020 |url-status=live }}

The exiled organisation People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK) accused the Iranian government of covering up the true death toll, and gave a higher death count, up to 20 times higher than the official figures.{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/Voices/2020/03/04/Iranian-regime-hides-truth-about-coronavirus/7741583347380/ |title=Iranian Regime Hides Truth about Coronavirus |work=United Press International |date=4 March 2020 |access-date=5 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305133659/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/Voices/2020/03/04/Iranian-regime-hides-truth-about-coronavirus/7741583347380/ |archive-date=5 March 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200301-what-is-the-real-size-of-the-coronavirus-epidemic-in-iran |title=What is the real size of the coronavirus epidemic in Iran? |date=1 March 2020 |publisher=France 24 |access-date=6 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305163602/https://www.france24.com/en/20200301-what-is-the-real-size-of-the-coronavirus-epidemic-in-iran |archive-date=5 March 2020 |url-status=live }} According to Radio Farda, In a joint statement in late March, one hundred Iranian activists blamed Khamenei and Rouhani for covering up the spread of coronavirus and turning it into a catastrophe affecting the whole country. All of the signatories live outside of Iran.{{cite web|url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/one-hundred-iranian-activists-blame-khamenei-for-severity-of-coronavirus-outbreak/30516266.html|title=One Hundred Activists Blame Khamenei For Severity Of Coronavirus Outbreak in Iran|website=RFE/RL|date=29 March 2020 |access-date=30 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330133755/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/one-hundred-iranian-activists-blame-khamenei-for-severity-of-coronavirus-outbreak/30516266.html|archive-date=30 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Statisticians have provided estimates giving numbers that are an order of magnitude higher than official statistics. By using data up to 20 March 2020, they estimated that there were 916,000 (90% UI: 508 K, 1.5 M) cumulative cases and 15,485 (90% UI: 8.4 K, 25.8 K) total deaths, much higher than the official figures reported on that date (19,644 cases with 1,433 deaths).{{cite journal |title= Simulation-based estimation of the early spread of COVID-19 in Iran: actual versus confirmed cases |author1=Navid Ghaffarzadegan |author2= Hazhir Rahmandad|doi= 10.1002/sdr.1655 |journal=System Dynamics Review |volume=36|issue=1|date=March 2020|pages= 101–129 |pmid= 32834468 |pmc=7361282 }}

On 10 August, a Tehran-based newspaper Jahan-e Sanat was shut down after reporting an Iranian epidemiologist's claim that the number of cases and deaths reported represented only 5% of the true figures.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-newspaper/iran-closes-down-newspaper-after-expert-doubts-official-coronavirus-tolls-idUSKCN2561SW |title=Iran Closes Down Newspaper After Expert Doubts Official Coronavirus Tolls |work=Reuters |date=10 August 2020 }}

• COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory
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• {{cite journal |last1=Ebrahimi |first1=Mansoureh |last2=Gassama |first2=Saikou Kawsu |last3=bin Yusoff |first3=Kamaruzaman |title=COVID-19: Threat and Response in Iran |journal=Iran and the Caucasus |year=2020 |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=423–443 |doi=10.1163/1573384X-20200409|s2cid=230610456 }}

{{Commons category|COVID-19 pandemic in Iran}}

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• {{cite web |url=https://coronavirus-global.com/iran |title=Coronavirus Iran updates and news |trans-title=Latest news and statistics of coronavirus in Iran. |access-date=4 April 2020 |language=en, fr, es, pt, de, it, sv, no, fi, et, ru |archive-date=8 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408085640/https://coronavirus-global.com/iran/ }}
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