Iran's daily tally of coronavirus deaths hit a record high of 459, the health ministry announced, increasing the official toll to 38,291 in the Middle East's worst-hit country.

Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 9,236 to 682,486.

To stem a third wave of the virus, the government has shut schools, mosques, shops and restaurants in most of the country, according to Reuters.

Authorities have warned that coronavirus tolls will further spike if Iranians failed to respect health protocols.