Iran has reported a record daily 709 deaths from Covid-19 as the worst-hit country in the Middle East faced a fifth surge in infections led by the highly contagious Delta variant.

The health ministry said the total number of cases had reached 4.75 million with 40,623 new infections over the past 24 hours. Total fatalities rose to 103,357, state TV reported.

Authorities imposed a two-week road travel ban between cities in the Islamic Republic until Aug 27, except for essential vehicles.

Non-essential businesses and public offices were allowed to reopen on Sunday after a week of mandatory shutdown to help limit the spread of coronavirus infections.