The strong sandstorm plunged Tehran into darkness, damaging buildings, knocking out power supplies and causing disruption.
The freak weather, which struck at 5:10 pm local time (1240 GMT), sent residents dashing for cover as debris swept across streets and snapped trees. State media reported 120 kilometer (80-mile) per hour winds.
Experts on state television warned Tehranis to stay indoors.
RA/NJF