IRAN reimposed lockdowns in urban areas today because of a surge in the delta variant of coronavirus.

Non-essential shops, restaurants and parks have been closed in 275 cities, including Tehran, and travel bans were imposed between areas with the highest infection rates.

President Hassan Rouhani said the country, which is already the worst hit in the Middle East, having recorded 3.2 million infections and 84,627 deaths, was facing a fifth wave, a reminder that across much of the world Covid-19 is continuing to spread at alarming rates even as lockdowns are eased in Britain and neighbouring countries. Just 2 per cent of Iranians are fully vaccinated.