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Iran now has the highest coronavirus death toll outside of China, threatening the wider Middle East

2020-02-26 09:56:48       source:CNBC

February 25, 2020


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s health ministry on Tuesday confirmed 15 deaths from the coronavirus, the most fatalities of any country outside of China, where the deadly illness originated. Iran also said there are 95 current cases. And Iran’s deputy health minister, Iraj Harirchi, has tested positive for the virus after downplaying outbreak concerns just days prior.


Amid accusations from within Iran of a government cover-up, it’s widely suspected that the number of cases and deaths are higher than officially reported.


The majority of Iran’s cases have been linked to Qom, a major religious destination for Shiite pilgrims 85 miles south of Tehran, Iranian’s health ministry spokesman said on state television Tuesday. An official from Qom claimed Monday that 50 people had died in the city; Tehran quickly rejected the figure and denied hiding anything.


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https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/25/iran-highest-coronavirus-death-toll-outside-china-accused-of-cover-up.html