Iran urges U.S. to lift sanctions amid COVID-19 fight

The United States should lift the "unlawful" sanctions against Iran to prove that it is sincere in offering help in the battle against the novel coronavirus, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday.

If the Americans are honest in offering their help to Iran, "the only way for them is to end the illegal sanctions on Iran," Rouhani said in a telephone conversation with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday.

"Unfortunately, the U.S. illegal sanctions against the Iranian nation have intensified the tough conditions of the fight against the coronavirus and its severe economic consequences," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

The U.S. cruel sanctions have even obstructed Iran's efforts to obtain medical supplies and foodstuff, he said.

Rouhani and Abe stressed the need for mutual cooperation in the battle against COVID-19 and for sharing the experiences in containing the disease.

(CGTN)