Iran key services shut as rial plunges amid energy crisis, regional tension

There have been renewed power outages to homes across the country, most of which have come unannounced and lasted for hours [File: Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters]

Tehran, Iran – Tens of millions of people across Iran are facing major disruptions as authorities shut down services in the face of an exacerbating energy and currency crisis amid historic regional tensions.

This week, government offices, schools, banks and businesses in major provinces and in the capital Tehran have been largely closed due to worsening fuel and power shortages as temperatures dropped to subzero levels.