U.S. sanctions "double" Iranians' suffering from coronavirus outbreak: FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that U.S. anti-Iran sanctions have doubled Iranians' suffering from the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country, semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

"These days the world is fighting against a common challenge. This time, it is not related to the borders and interests but it is about humanity, living, and staying," Zarif was quoted as saying.

"What doubles the suffering of Iranians, what limits their choices in crisis management, and what aggravates concerns for citizens' livelihood is that sanctions and coronavirus are coming at the same time," he added.

The Iranian foreign minister called for a global "moral will" against the U.S. excessive demands, noting "complying with sanctions should not lead to more war crimes."

Over the past weeks, Iran has intensified a global campaign for the removal of U.S. sanctions as the Islamic republic combats the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.

Iran is the worst-hit country by the virus in the Middle East.

Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education on Monday reported the total number of 41,495 cases of novel coronavirus and 2,757 deaths.

(CGTN)