Coronavirus Update: Iran Confirms Total Of 9,000 COVID-19 Cases, With 63 New Deaths

Multiple reports emerged over the past weeks regarding Iran’s true coronavirus numbers but on Wednesday, the health ministry finally confirmed a total of 9,000 COVID-19 cases in the country after 958 new cases were recorded in a single day.

According to CNN, health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpour spoke on state TV on Wednesday, confirming that Iran’s 958 new cases in just 24 hours brought the country’s total infection toll to 9,000.

Aside from the spike in new cases, Jahanpour confirmed that there were 63 new deaths in the country, bringing the total death toll to 354. No other details were provided by Jahanpour but he urged citizens to stay at home to prevent further infections.

Amid the increasing number of coronavirus infections in the country, Tehran called on the White House to ease up on sanctions that block the import of medication and other products necessary for Iran’s COVID-19 battle.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Wednesday that U.S. sanctions on Iran are blocking the country’s capacities in purchasing crucial drugs and food that Iranians need as they battle the novel coronavirus.

Mousavi urged the United States to allow Iran to make direct deals with pharmaceuticals as the coronavirus outbreak continues to batter the Iranian economy, Bloomberg reported.

However, Iran’s pleas may come in the midst of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s calls on other countries. Pompeo said on Tuesday that countries seeking to send humanitarian assistance to Iran should make a deal in exchange of imprisoned foreigners.

It remains to be seen whether the U.S. and Iran will strike a deal regarding the latter’s request for a reprieve on sanctions.

Meanwhile, Iranian minister of industry, mines and business Reza Rahmani reportedly recovered from the COVID-19 strain on Tuesday, local media reports revealed.

According to Turkish news outlet Anadolu Agency, Rahmani’s health deteriorated after he tested positive of the novel coronavirus. He was reportedly brought to intensive care where he received the necessary treatments, as revealed by the semi-official Iranian Fars news agency

Rahmani advisor Ali Akbar Rezaei was also quoted to have said the minister is now recovering at home.

The COVID-19 outbreak in Qom is believed to be centered in Qom, a tourist destination known for its religious schools and well-visited shrine. It is considered a pilgrimage site for many citizens and foreign tourists.

Iran is third behind Italy and China to experience the biggest coronavirus outbreaks in the world.