Iran is an Islamic republic overlooking the Persian Gulf and boasts historical sites dating back to the Persian Empire. Vast marble ruins characterize Persepolis, the capital of the empire founded by Darius I in the 6th century BC. The modern capital of Tehran is home to the opulent Golestan Palace, where the Qajar dynasty (1794–1925) reigned, as well as more recent monuments such as the Milad Tower, 435 meters high. Iranian. officials have ordered the shutdown of the holy city of Qom after the two persons previously infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) died and three others confirmed to have contracted the disease on Thursday (Feb. 20).
All schools and universities, including religious Shiite seminaries, have been ordered closed, according to the official IRNA news agency.
The Iranian Health Ministry disclosed, just a day before, that two elderly Iranian were confirmed with COVID-19. They later died due to complications.
The Islamic Republic had recently repatriated 60 Iranian students from Wuhan, the epicentre of the deadly outbreak, however, Health Minister Saeed Namaki said the students evacuated were quarantined upon their return to Iran.
