Iran to shut top Shiite shrine during Persian new year holidays

'Situation in Mashhad has grown more acute'

Last updated:
1 MIN READ
Pharmaceutical factory workers package vitamin and mineral supplement ampoules at the Actoverco plant in Karaj, about 40km west of Tehran.
Pharmaceutical factory workers package vitamin and mineral supplement ampoules at the Actoverco plant in Karaj, about 40km west of Tehran.
AFP

Dubai: Iran's Imam Reza shrine, a magnet attracting millions of Muslim pilgrims in the holy city of Mashhad every year, will be closed during the country's New Year Holidays from March 20 over coronavirus concerns, state TV reported.

The announcement comes as "the situation in Mashhad has grown more acute" and the city "is going through its most decisive week" in battle against the Covid-19 disease, semi-official ISNA reported, citing Mayor Mohammad Reza Kalaei.

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next