The air quality index in Tehran has deteriorated to “unhealthy” and “alarming” levels, according to both outside experts and the Iranian government, which advised city residents to remain indoors last week.

“Elderly people and children, along with cardiovascular and respiratory patients, should remain in their homes as much as possible,” Tehran Air Quality Control said in its latest advisory.

Government agencies and businesses in the national capital were asked to reduce staffing and allow employees to work from home, while schools across the city were closed .

Restrictions have been placed on trucks and automobiles within Tehran to reduce emissions. This had the unusual side effect of filling the streets with women riding on motorbikes, because it was impossible for men to

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