Tehran, where high pollution levels are common, has been engulfed in smog in recent days.
The capital is located in the southern foothills of the Alborz Mountains, which tower over the city and trap polluted air.
This phenomenon, known as thermal inversion, is most pronounced during winter, when cold air and a lack of wind can keep hazardous smog over the city for days.
On Wednesday, local media announced the air quality in Tehran had reached "unhealthy" levels, with an average air quality index (AQI) of 170.
All museums and banks, except for a few specific branches, were closed in the capital.
The landmark Milad Tower, which stands at 435 metres, was barely visible on Wednesday morning.
Pollution was also impacting other major cities, including Isfahan in central Iran and Tabriz in the northwest.
Ahvaz in the southwest has also been experiencing high pollution levels, as reported by state television.
Local media have attributed the pollution to the dilapidated state of some industrial infrastructure, an ageing vehicle fleet and poor-quality gasoline.
In recent weeks, the government has also singled out the fuel used in certain power plants as a contributing factor.
According to Iranian Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi, air pollution is responsible for the premature deaths of approximately 50,000 people across the country each year.
In recent years, Iranian authorities have repeatedly closed schools in Tehran, including a week-long closure in 2019, due to air quality concerns.
Hundreds march in North Macedonia against air pollution
Skopje, Republic Of North Macedonia (AFP) Dec 10, 2024 -
Several hundred people marched on Tuesday in Skopje demanding immediate action from the government to tackle high levels of air pollution in the North Macedonian capital.
Wearing gas masks and chanting "We want air, we want to breathe", the demonstrators took to the streets on the back of a report showing Skopje to be among the 10 most polluted cities in Europe.
"I'm protesting because we don't have clean air, because they systematically kill every one of us and because it's time for the government to do something," 22-year-old student Anastasija Pavlovska told AFP.
Almost 4,000 people in North Macedonia die each year due to exposure to PM2.5 particles, the smallest particulate matter that can be inhaled and the most dangerous to human health, according to research issued by the Institute for Public Health.
Several environmental groups organising the protest accused the government of not allocating money in the budget to fight pollution.
"We are demanding this state finally stop poisoning its people, undertake measures and start implementing some sort of policy on air pollution," Jane Dimeski, environmental activist and member of the Centre Municipality council told AFP.
"The state must clean its own backyard first.... Those who should protect us, poison us," he added.
Some of the urgent measures demanded by the protesters include reducing imports of vehicles with low emission standards, increasing inspections for industrial facilities and dealing with landfills.
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