Financial Tribune - The last month of the Iranian year has always represented growth in business activity, but the absence of such a growth this year has aggravated recession

T he recent outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has taken a heavy toll on a wide range of Iranian businesses.

From restaurants, catering services and cafés to travel agencies, airlines and cinemas, many have been pushed to the brink. This is especially so, when taking into account the damaging effects of sanctions on Iran's business environment.

"Medical doctors say coronavirus is deadly for people with other underlying medical conditions. The sanctions regime is the same underlying disease that has made coronavirus even more horrendous," presidential advisor, Hesameddin Ashena, has been quoted as saying by IRNA.