The closure does not apply to medical services and emergency centers. The decision is aimed at protecting people's health and managing domestic energy consumption, the Iranian government said in a statement, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Iran's National Meteorological Organization reported temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) in 10 provinces on July 27. At least 225 people needed medical help for heatstroke. In addition to Iran, many Asian, African and European countries are also struggling with record heat, with temperatures rising an average of 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal.