Traders in Tehran's shuttered Grand Bazaar complained of a double standard, with other shops nearby allowed to reopen AFP/ATTA KENARE

TEHRAN: Iran allowed some shuttered Tehran businesses to reopen Saturday (Apr 18) despite the Middle East's deadliest coronavirus outbreak, as many faced a bitter choice between risking infection and economic ruin.

Top officials argue that Iran's sanctions-hit economy cannot afford to remain on lockdown, and approved similar measures in other provinces last week.