Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has authorised the country's provinces to impose lockdowns wherever necessary to stem a rapid rise in coronavirus cases.

"We are forced to intensify regulations and supervisions, starting in the capital Tehran," Rouhani said in televised remarks.

He said government-run coronavirus task-force offices around the country would make recommendations on restrictions and whether to impose one-week lockdowns.

Iran's death toll from Covid-19 has surpassed 25,000 and identified cases on Friday totalled 439,882, according to the health ministry.

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