Iran death toll could be as high as 210

At least 210 Covid-19 patients have died in Iran, sources within the country’s health care system have told BBC Persian.

This figure, as of Thursday evening, is way above the official figure of 34.

The official figure for infected people is at 388 but many have challenged official figures. Most victims are from the capital, Tehran, and the city of Qom where the Iranian outbreak started.

Iran’s government has defended its response to the spread of the virus and denied it is withholding information about the number of people affected.

Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament has suspended its sessions “until further notice.”

A parliamentary official quoted in Iran’s Fars news agency said the decision was based on advice from the health ministry about “the outbreak and the risks it has.”

The Iranian parliament, known as the Majlis, is also expected not to ratify the state budget for the Iranian new year starting March 20 and will instead pass a temporary emergency budget, the official said.