TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Saturday that lockdowns meant to curb the spread of the pandemic could lead to street protests over economic problems, his website reported. In a regular Cabinet meeting on the coronavirus, Rouhani said the easiest way to fight the virus is to close off all activities. But “then people come and stage protests because of chaos, famine and problems," he said. Confirmed virus cases and deaths reached a record low in May after mass lockdowns were imposed in Iran. Many experts blame an increase in virus-related deaths over the past week on wedding and funeral ceremonies with large crowds.

Source: International New York Times July 11, 2020 18:56 UTC