Iran shuts offices and schools as sandstorm hits Tehran

Iranian officials closed government offices, courts, schools and universities in Tehran on Monday after a severe sandstorm hit the capital, state media reported.

"The air pollution emergency committee of Tehran province has ordered the closure of all administrative offices and public educational centres today due to the spread of dust," state news agency IRNA said.

Visibility was severely limited in Tehran, a city of more than eight million people.

The neighbouring province of Alborz, located west of the capital, also announced the closure of all offices, banks and scientific and educational centres, state television said.