Iran’s parliament does not have power to dictate major policies, but it does debate the annual budget and the possible impeachment of ministers. Yet before the first ballot was even cast Friday, Iranian dissidents were calling the elections a “sham” and have been demanding a boycott. The U.S. also sanctioned three members of Iran's elections supervisory committee, saying all those targeted were responsible for silencing the voice of the Iranian people. Concerns over the spread of the virus prompted authorities in Iran to close all schools and Shiite seminaries there. Friday is a day of rest in Iran, as is the case across most Muslim countries.

Source: Fox News February 21, 2020 14:37 UTC