The World Health Organization reported&nbsp;that the Delta variant is causing a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> outbreaks,&nbsp;triggering a "fourth wave"&nbsp;in the Middle East where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination rates</a> are low.

From Morocco to Pakistan, 15 of the 22 territories and countries under the purview of the global health body have been infected with the highly transmissible strain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-deaths-surge-by-21-cases-can-exceed-200-million-in-two-weeks-who-401228">Coronavirus deaths surge by 21% , cases can exceed 200 million in two weeks: WHO</a>

"The circulation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta variant</a> is fuelling the surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases and deaths in an increasing number of countries in WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region," it said in a statement.

Comparing last month to the previous month, infection rates soared by 55 per cent, while mortality rates surged by 15 per cent. Weekly, the number of cases has exceeded 310,000 and the death toll has reached 3,500.

The WHO noted that the Delta variant was quickly becoming "the dominant strain" in the region due to its rapid spread.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-now-in-three-chinese-provinces-401421">Delta variant now in three Chinese provinces</a>

Among the newly hospitalized and newly diagnosed are many people unvaccinated against COVID-19. In this region, the virus is approaching its fourth wave, noted Ahmed al-Mandhari, WHO's Eastern Mediterranean region director.

As of the last week of July, the WHO reports that only 41 million people, or merely 5.5 per cent of the region's population, were fully vaccinated.

The regional healthcare system has been forced to stretch its resources due to a critical shortage of oxygen tanks and intensive care beds.

North African countries like Tunisia, which have seen the most COVID-19 deaths, are struggling with containing the outbreak.

The amount of virus found in the first samples of Delta variant patients was 1,000 times higher than the samples taken from patients in the first wave of the virus in 2020, making it far more contagious., according to an article published in the journal Virological.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization reported that the Delta variant is causing a surge in coronavirus outbreaks, triggering a "fourth wave" in the Middle East where vaccination rates are low.

The World Health Organization reported that the Delta variant is causing a surge in coronavirus outbreaks, triggering a "fourth wave" in the Middle East where vaccination rates are low. From Morocco to Pakistan, 15 of the 22 territories and countries under the purview of the global health body have been infected with the highly transmissible strain. Also read | Coronavirus deaths surge by 21% , cases can exceed 200 million in two weeks: WHO "The circulation of the Delta variant is fuelling the surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths in an increasing number of countries in WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region," it said in a statement. Comparing last month to the previous month, infection rates soared by 55 per cent, while mortality rates surged by 15 per cent. Weekly, the number of cases has exceeded 310,000 and the death toll has reached 3,500. The WHO noted that the Delta variant was quickly becoming "the dominant strain" in the region due to its rapid spread. Also read | Delta variant now in three Chinese provinces Among the newly hospitalized and newly diagnosed are many people unvaccinated against COVID-19. In this region, the virus is approaching its fourth wave, noted Ahmed al-Mandhari, WHO's Eastern Mediterranean region director. As of the last week of July, the WHO reports that only 41 million people, or merely 5.5 per cent of the region's population, were fully vaccinated. The regional healthcare system has been forced to stretch its resources due to a critical shortage of oxygen tanks and intensive care beds. North African countries like Tunisia, which have seen the most COVID-19 deaths, are struggling with containing the outbreak. The amount of virus found in the first samples of Delta variant patients was 1,000 times higher than the samples taken from patients in the first wave of the virus in 2020, making it far more contagious., according to an article published in the journal Virological. (With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organization blames Delta variant for Middle East virus surge

Amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country, Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-imposes-fines-for-not-wearing-face-masks-as-covid-19-cases-surge-334295">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran imposes fines for not wearing face masks as COVID-19 cases surge</a>

The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization was under quarantine since October 3, state media reported.

Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, vice-president of the atomic agency had said earlier that &nbsp;"under medical observation" after contracting the virus.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency had reported that both men were in "good" health condition.

The virus has been on the rise in the country with Iran planning to make wearing masks mandatory in public in big cities after imposing it in capital Tehran.

The total coronavirus cases in the country has now crossed over 500,000 with 3,822 new cases reported on Sunday. Iran's health ministry said on Sunday that 251 people had died due to the virus in the last 24 hours.

There have been 27,658 deaths due to coronavirus in the country.

On Wednesday, the country had reported 239 deaths from the virus which was the highest recorded one-day fatality. It has also passed 4,000 cases on the same day.

Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari had said earlier that, "We are seeing an increase in confirmed cases, and daily hospitalisations in most of our provinces," while warning that, "the rate of compliance with health protocols and wearing masks is declining."

Iran has been battling the virus including the US sanctions with health officials worried over the lack of essential material to fight the virus.

Amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country, Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday. Also Read: Iran imposes fines for not wearing face masks as COVID-19 cases surge The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization was under quarantine since October 3, state media reported.

Amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country, Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday. Also Read: Iran imposes fines for not wearing face masks as COVID-19 cases surge The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization was under quarantine since October 3, state media reported. Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, vice-president of the atomic agency had said earlier that "under medical observation" after contracting the virus. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency had reported that both men were in "good" health condition. The virus has been on the rise in the country with Iran planning to make wearing masks mandatory in public in big cities after imposing it in capital Tehran. The total coronavirus cases in the country has now crossed over 500,000 with 3,822 new cases reported on Sunday. Iran's health ministry said on Sunday that 251 people had died due to the virus in the last 24 hours. There have been 27,658 deaths due to coronavirus in the country. On Wednesday, the country had reported 239 deaths from the virus which was the highest recorded one-day fatality. It has also passed 4,000 cases on the same day. Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari had said earlier that, "We are seeing an increase in confirmed cases, and daily hospitalisations in most of our provinces," while warning that, "the rate of compliance with health protocols and wearing masks is declining." Iran has been battling the virus including the US sanctions with health officials worried over the lack of essential material to fight the virus.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization chief Ali Akbar Salehi tests positive for coronavirus

As Iran reported the highest single-day increase in coronavirus infection in nearly a month, a report said that the death toll could be triple of what the Iran government claims.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-struggles-to-buy-food-in-a-world-wary-of-touching-its-money-316952">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran struggles to buy food in a world wary of touching its money</a>

Iran is the hardest hit with the virus in the Middle East as health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said that 2,685 more people had tested positive for coronavirus in the past 24 hours.

According to a BBC report, the Iran government reported nearly 42,000 deaths till July but the country's health ministry had said that 14,405 fatalities had occurred with the number of infected cases reported by the government at 451,024, although the health ministry is reported to have revealed 78,827 cases.

Although the number of cases had reportedly dipped in April and May, however, some areas have shown a surge in cases in the last few weeks. Iran had reported the first case of the virus in late February.

Iran's health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Sunday that the total number of coronavirus cases was 309,437 with the death toll rising to 17,190.

There have been doubts raised by several experts on Iran's actual death toll. However, the health ministry spokesman confirmed that since late June daily infections have been on a "rising trajectory".

"We are concerned that trivialising the situation and lax observance of health protocols may lead to a worsening of the outbreak in the province," &nbsp;Lari stated.

Mazandaran has become the new epicentre of the virus even as Qom in central Iran has been widely reported to be witnessing a surge in cases.

Amid the rising number of cases, Iran has made wearing masks compulsory in sensitive areas and local officials have been given powers to reimpose restrictive measures. &nbsp;

On Saturday, a prominent Iranian filmmaker Khosro Sinai, 79, had died due&nbsp;the virus. 
&nbsp;

As Iran reported the highest single-day increase in coronavirus infection in nearly a month, a report said that the death toll could be triple of what the Iran government claims.

As Iran reported the highest single-day increase in coronavirus infection in nearly a month, a report said that the death toll could be triple of what the Iran government claims. Also Read: Iran struggles to buy food in a world wary of touching its money Iran is the hardest hit with the virus in the Middle East as health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said that 2,685 more people had tested positive for coronavirus in the past 24 hours. According to a BBC report, the Iran government reported nearly 42,000 deaths till July but the country's health ministry had said that 14,405 fatalities had occurred with the number of infected cases reported by the government at 451,024, although the health ministry is reported to have revealed 78,827 cases. Although the number of cases had reportedly dipped in April and May, however, some areas have shown a surge in cases in the last few weeks. Iran had reported the first case of the virus in late February. Iran's health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Sunday that the total number of coronavirus cases was 309,437 with the death toll rising to 17,190. There have been doubts raised by several experts on Iran's actual death toll. However, the health ministry spokesman confirmed that since late June daily infections have been on a "rising trajectory". "We are concerned that trivialising the situation and lax observance of health protocols may lead to a worsening of the outbreak in the province," Lari stated. Mazandaran has become the new epicentre of the virus even as Qom in central Iran has been widely reported to be witnessing a surge in cases. Amid the rising number of cases, Iran has made wearing masks compulsory in sensitive areas and local officials have been given powers to reimpose restrictive measures. On Saturday, a prominent Iranian filmmaker Khosro Sinai, 79, had died due the virus.

Iran's coronavirus death toll higher than government data: Report

Iran on Thursday reported the highest daily coronavirus cases with 3,574 new infections.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-health-organization-resumes-coronavirus-trial-on-hcq-303098/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The highest infection cases in Iran was 3,186 recorded on March 30. On Monday, the virus cases had jumped to nearly 3,000 a day as the country warned that another "dangerous peak" was approaching.

The country's health department said that 59 people have died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Iran had reported a two-month low on May 2 with numbers at below 100 earlier.

Health Minister Saeed Namaki had said earlier that "people have become completely careless regarding this disease" as cases began to rise.

"They either have total confidence in us or think the coronavirus has gone," the health minister had said.

Iran has the highest COVID-19 in the Middle East with over 157,000 cases and more than 7,900&nbsp;deaths. The virus which was first reported in February has spread to several parts of the country.

The government had said that virus cases in Hormozgan, Baluchistan, Kermanshah and Sistan was surging with health workers struggling to cope with new cases.

Iran on Thursday reported the highest daily coronavirus cases with 3,574 new infections. Watch Video: The highest infection cases in Iran was 3,186 recorded on March 30.

Iran on Thursday reported the highest daily coronavirus cases with 3,574 new infections. Watch Video: The highest infection cases in Iran was 3,186 recorded on March 30. On Monday, the virus cases had jumped to nearly 3,000 a day as the country warned that another "dangerous peak" was approaching. The country's health department said that 59 people have died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. Iran had reported a two-month low on May 2 with numbers at below 100 earlier. Health Minister Saeed Namaki had said earlier that "people have become completely careless regarding this disease" as cases began to rise. "They either have total confidence in us or think the coronavirus has gone," the health minister had said. Iran has the highest COVID-19 in the Middle East with over 157,000 cases and more than 7,900 deaths. The virus which was first reported in February has spread to several parts of the country. The government had said that virus cases in Hormozgan, Baluchistan, Kermanshah and Sistan was surging with health workers struggling to cope with new cases.

Iran reports highest single-day infection cases

Iran government on Thursday said the death toll due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-outbreak-soon-to-be-deadlier-than-any-flu-since-1967-295698">coronavirus</a> "effectively crossed 6,000 today" while reporting 71 fatalities due the virus in the past 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-surge-to-32-million-death-toll-at-227368-295685">Also Read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.2 million, death toll at 227,368</a>

The total death toll due COVID-19 has reached 6,028, according to Iran's health ministry. There are over 93,657 people affected due to the virus ever since the country reported its first case on February 19. Iran is the hardest hit country in the Middle East since the pandemic hit the region.

On Wednesday, the country had reopened businesses even as 80 people died with the virus showing little signs of abating.

President Hassan Rouhani said: "Due to uncertainty about when this virus will end, we are preparing for work, activity and science."

"We have to follow all the medical instructions, but work and production are as essential as these precautions," the Iran president told the cabinet.

“Excessive fear, excessive anxiety, excessive worrying is worse than this corona itself and this virus and can really break up people’s lives and take away people’s comfort,” Rouhani asserted.

“But at the same time we shouldn’t be careless, meaning there must not be excessive anxiety and worrying and there must be necessary caution.”

The daily toll since April 14 has been below hundred prompting authorities to oopen shops and parks in order to allow people to go about their business, however, the threat of the virus hasn't passed.

Iran president had earlier said that regions will be marked with white, yellow and red based on the number of infections and deaths.&nbsp;

Iran government on Thursday said the death toll due to coronavirus "effectively crossed 6,000 today" while reporting 71 fatalities due the virus in the past 24 hours.

Iran government on Thursday said the death toll due to coronavirus "effectively crossed 6,000 today" while reporting 71 fatalities due the virus in the past 24 hours. Also Read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.2 million, death toll at 227,368 The total death toll due COVID-19 has reached 6,028, according to Iran's health ministry. There are over 93,657 people affected due to the virus ever since the country reported its first case on February 19. Iran is the hardest hit country in the Middle East since the pandemic hit the region. On Wednesday, the country had reopened businesses even as 80 people died with the virus showing little signs of abating. President Hassan Rouhani said: "Due to uncertainty about when this virus will end, we are preparing for work, activity and science." "We have to follow all the medical instructions, but work and production are as essential as these precautions," the Iran president told the cabinet. “Excessive fear, excessive anxiety, excessive worrying is worse than this corona itself and this virus and can really break up people’s lives and take away people’s comfort,” Rouhani asserted. “But at the same time we shouldn’t be careless, meaning there must not be excessive anxiety and worrying and there must be necessary caution.” The daily toll since April 14 has been below hundred prompting authorities to oopen shops and parks in order to allow people to go about their business, however, the threat of the virus hasn't passed. Iran president had earlier said that regions will be marked with white, yellow and red based on the number of infections and deaths.

Death toll in Iran due to coronavirus surges past 6,000

Iran on Tuesday reported 71 deaths due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-will-coronavirus-end-in-us-uk-france-india-study-predicts-dates-month-295324">coronavirus</a> in the last 24 hours taking the death toll to 5,877 which is the highest in the Middle East.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trumps-attack-china-says-us-shirking-responsibility-diverting-public-attention-over-coronavirus-295340">Also Read:&nbsp;After Trump's attack, China says US shirking responsibility &amp; diverting public attention over coronavirus</a>

On Monday, the country had reported 96 deaths from the novel coronavirus.

The are now over 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 infection in the country, with 92,584 the total number of infections in the country.

Iran's health ministry said that 72,439 people were treated and recovered in the hospital.&nbsp;

The ministry asserted that daily infection count had fallen to 991, which was below the 1,000 for the first time since March 10.

The authorities had earlier closed schools and universities in a bid to combat the virus, however, the number of cases has continued to rise.

Iran has struggled to contain the virus since it first reported cases on February 19. The Iran government has allowed a "phased" reopening of shops and has lifted restrictions on movement within the country since April 11 but mosques, schools and cinemas remain closed.

Amdi the Ramadan festivities on Saturday, health officials warned of "fresh outbreak" of coronavirus cases as the country continued to battle the virus. Citizens could not go to mosques to pray due to the restrictions.

Health ministry officials Jahanpour reiterated social distancing and hygiene measures to guard against COVID-19. The tensions between Iran and the US has also added to the hardships in the country with officials often hitting out against US sanctions.

"In addition to fighting the virus, Iran faces illegal and inhuman American sanctions, doubling the pressure on the Iranian people," &nbsp;Iran's deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi had said earlier.

Iran on Tuesday reported 71 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the death toll to 5,877 which is the highest in the Middle East. Also Read: After Trump's attack, China says US shirking responsibility & diverting public attention over coronavirus On Monday, the country had reported 96 deaths from the novel coronavirus.

Iran on Tuesday reported 71 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the death toll to 5,877 which is the highest in the Middle East. Also Read: After Trump's attack, China says US shirking responsibility & diverting public attention over coronavirus On Monday, the country had reported 96 deaths from the novel coronavirus. The are now over 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 infection in the country, with 92,584 the total number of infections in the country. Iran's health ministry said that 72,439 people were treated and recovered in the hospital. The ministry asserted that daily infection count had fallen to 991, which was below the 1,000 for the first time since March 10. The authorities had earlier closed schools and universities in a bid to combat the virus, however, the number of cases has continued to rise. Iran has struggled to contain the virus since it first reported cases on February 19. The Iran government has allowed a "phased" reopening of shops and has lifted restrictions on movement within the country since April 11 but mosques, schools and cinemas remain closed. Amdi the Ramadan festivities on Saturday, health officials warned of "fresh outbreak" of coronavirus cases as the country continued to battle the virus. Citizens could not go to mosques to pray due to the restrictions. Health ministry officials Jahanpour reiterated social distancing and hygiene measures to guard against COVID-19. The tensions between Iran and the US has also added to the hardships in the country with officials often hitting out against US sanctions. "In addition to fighting the virus, Iran faces illegal and inhuman American sanctions, doubling the pressure on the Iranian people," Iran's deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi had said earlier.

Iran reports 73 new coronavirus deaths, 1,000 new cases; death toll crosses over 5,800

As the death toll climbed in Iran due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-takes-steps-to-heal-virus-hit-economy-as-infections-fall-289496">coronavirus</a>, the country braced for tougher measures with possible curbs on movement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-in-united-states-surges-past-3000-289549">Also Read: Coronavirus death toll in United States surges past 3,000</a>

Iran recorded 117 new deaths in the last 24 months with the death toll rising to 2,757. The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Iran rose to 40,000 Monday.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-how-the-world-is-battling-wuhan-coronavirus-289544/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Iran health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour at least 13,911 people who were hospitalized have recovered, while 3,511 are in critical condition.

Iran has been the worst-hit due to the virus in the Middle East. The first virus death occurred in the country on February 19, since then the Islamic Republic has scrambled to put services on track.

Although Iranian authorities have resisted a nationwide lockdown, &nbsp;Tehran decided last week to ban all intercity travel until April 8.

Iranians were urged to avoid traveling during the Persian New Year holidays which started on March 20 in an attempt to contain COVID-19.

"If necessary, we might impose tougher measures as our priority is the nation's safety and health," said Iran's first Vice President, Eshaq Jahangiri was quoted as saying on state television.

Amid the escalating crisis, Iranian officials asserted on Monday that they had started mass production of "highly accurate" coronavirus testing kits that could produce results within three hours. 
&nbsp;

As the death toll climbed in Iran due to coronavirus, the country braced for tougher measures with possible curbs on movement. Also Read: Coronavirus death toll in United States surges past 3,000 Iran recorded 117 new deaths in the last 24 months with the death toll rising to 2,757.

As the death toll climbed in Iran due to coronavirus, the country braced for tougher measures with possible curbs on movement. Also Read: Coronavirus death toll in United States surges past 3,000 Iran recorded 117 new deaths in the last 24 months with the death toll rising to 2,757. The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Iran rose to 40,000 Monday. Watch Video: According to Iran health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour at least 13,911 people who were hospitalized have recovered, while 3,511 are in critical condition. Iran has been the worst-hit due to the virus in the Middle East. The first virus death occurred in the country on February 19, since then the Islamic Republic has scrambled to put services on track. Although Iranian authorities have resisted a nationwide lockdown, Tehran decided last week to ban all intercity travel until April 8. Iranians were urged to avoid traveling during the Persian New Year holidays which started on March 20 in an attempt to contain COVID-19. "If necessary, we might impose tougher measures as our priority is the nation's safety and health," said Iran's first Vice President, Eshaq Jahangiri was quoted as saying on state television. Amid the escalating crisis, Iranian officials asserted on Monday that they had started mass production of "highly accurate" coronavirus testing kits that could produce results within three hours.

Iran braces for tougher measures as coronavirus death toll rises