After political pressure over air pollution that shut down the capital for multiple days in the month of December, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced short-term measures to combat smog.
At a Cabinet meeting Dec. 30, Rouhani said that air pollution impacts Iran every year and short-term solutions will not completely end the problem. However, due to the fact the impact of pollution has been more tangible in recent days, short-term measures are necessary in order for people to sense that there is progress on the issue.