Crisis After Crisis for Iranians

On April 1, the thirteenth day of the Persian New Year, Iranians traditionally leave their homes lest bad luck catch them. With the global pandemic in full swing, things aren’t running as usual for sizdah be dar

, the last day of new year’s celebrations.

Iran is the hardest hit country in the Middle East, with more than 3,000 dead. COVID-19 come while sanctions prohibit U.S. pharmaceutical companies from doing business with Iran.

From New York, Arno Pedram captures an audio snapshot of what life is like for Iranians locked down at home and abroad through a WhatsApp call with their Iranian family in Tehran and France. You can hear it above.