COVID-19 in Iran: 64,586 infected, 3,993 died, 29,172 recovered

TEHRAN- The total number of people diagnosed with the coronavirus in Iran has reached 64,586, of whom 3,993 have died and 29,712 recovered.

Rural handicrafts workshop readjusted to produce face masks

TEHRAN – A handicrafts workshop in a rural area, northeast Iran, which used to produce silk textiles, has been repurposed to make protective face masks as the country is fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. senator: Innocent Iranians dying because of ‘our sanctions’ 

TEHRAN - Chris Murphy, U.S. senator from Connecticut, has said Iranians are dying of coronavirus partly because of U.S. sanctions. 

By Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh

Iran's budget most non-oil reliant in history: energy expert

TEHRAN – Ex-Iranian lawmaker and senior energy expert says despite some concerns about Iran's economy under coronavirus pandemic and the cut in its oil revenues, the country has planned a budget which is the most oil-independent one in its history.

Zarif says Iran ready to cooperate with Turkey in coronavirus containment

TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday that Iran is ready to cooperate with Turkey in containing the outbreak the coronavirus, known as Covid-19.

Iran starts smart screening program to contain coronavirus

TEHRAN – The second phase of the social distancing plan in Iran started on Tuesday within the framework of a screening program to curb the spread of coronavirus.

European expertise to help restore ancient mosque in Iran

TEHRAN – Several European professionals have announced readiness to share expertise and offer advice for partially restoring Jameh Mosque of Qazvin, which is one of the oldest congregational mosques in Iran.

Iranian director Tufan to make new film with producer Brett Granstaff

TEHRAN – Iranian filmmaker Rahim Tufan announced on Tuesday that he will make his new project named “Barat Matrix” with American producer Brett Granstaff in the U.S. after the end of the coronavirus crisis.

Cartoonist Ali Derakhshi making animation series on coronavirus 

TEHRAN – Iranian cartoonist and animator Ali Derakhshi is making a series to teach people how to follow health protocols during the home quarantine. 

Iranian Judiciary slams U.S. sanctions as inhumane

TEHRAN — Iran’s Judiciary had condemned Washington’s cruel sanctions, which have negatively impacted Iran’s ability to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Iranian writer’s “Hannah” teaching world's children about coronavirus  

TEHRAN – Iranian writer Ali-Asghar Seidabadi (Seyyedabadi) has recently authored a book named “Hannah, Our Hero” to teach children around the world how to take care of themselves during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Faranak Bakhtiari

World Health Day: dedicated medics on frontline fighting the invisible enemy

TEHRAN – This time, medical professionals have gone far to help patients afflicted by the coronavirus, so the least we can do is supporting them and paying tribute to those putting themselves at risk battling against a dangerous enemy which is not even visible.

Iran calls corona crisis an opportunity if it leads to intl. collaboration

‘Unilateralism virus’ infects collective actions, Iran says

TEHRAN - Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Tuesday that the coronavirus crisis is an opportunity if the global fight on COVID-19 lead to global solidarity and collaboration.

Zarif says Iran does not need charity from Trump

TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that Iran is rich in human and natural resources and does not need charity from U.S. President Donald Trump to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus.

South Korea to send $2m anti-corona shipment to Iran

TEHRAN – South Korea intends to send a shipment worth $2 million to Iran to help the country combat the coronavirus.

Borrell says sanctions must not prevent delivery of humanitarian aid to Iran

TEHRAN - European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said that sanctions on Iran must not prevent delivery of humanitarian aid to Iran when the country is fighting the coronavirus.

Olympics postponement an opportunity not a threat: Salehi Amiri

TEHRAN - The President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the Islamic Republic of Iran Reza Salehi Amiri believes that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics postponement will not harm the country’s sportspersons and he sees it as an opportunity not a threat.

Coronavirus in Iran: total cases reach 62,589, death toll at 3,872

TEHRAN- The total number of people diagnosed with the coronavirus in Iran has reached 62,589, of whom 3,872 have died and 27,039 recovered.

'Trump more dangerous than coronavirus': Iran’s security chief 

TEHRAN - A top Iranian security official has called U.S. President Donald Trump "more dangerous than coronavirus",  saying moves to block vital medical supplies to fight coronavirus from reaching Iran was tantamount to crimes against humanity.

By Salman Parviz

Repatriation of Indian pilgrims, students in Qom ongoing

TEHRAN - Thousands of travelers have been stranded throughout the world unable to return back to their country of origin due to flight cancellations and border restrictions amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This is the story of more than 1,200 Indian pilgrims and seminary students stranded in the holy city of Qom during the Nowruz holidays.

Antiseptic consignment dispatched to 20 provinces

Some 150,000 bottles of antiseptics, worth 10 billion rials (about $2.8 million) were sent to 20 provinces of the country on Sunday.

Govt. to support tourist places shut over coronavirus

TEHRAN – The Iranian government has drafted a plan to support tourist places, which have been shut down over the novel coronavirus pandemic in the country.

By Faranak Bakhtiari

Iranian startups in full swing to combat COVID-19

TEHRAN – Since the onset of the coronavirus epidemic, startups, as well as knowledge-based companies, have been working round the clock to provide items to combat the outbreak.

Hemmati appointed new head of IRCS

TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani has appointed Karim Hemmati as the new head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society for four years.

Leader agrees to use 1b euro from national fund to contain coronavirus

TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has agreed with a request by the government to withdraw 1 billion euro from the National Development Fund to contain the highly transmissible coronavirus, the government announced on Monday.

Over 30 countries have helped Iran fighting coronavirus, says Foreign Ministry spokesman

Tehran: Certain countries exploiting coronavirus circumstances

TEHRAN — Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday that certain countries are exploiting the dire coronavirus circumstances by politicizing the issue.

Carleton University professor: U.S. refusal to ease sanctions on Iran ‘regrettable’

TEHRAN - Dane Rowlands, a professor at Carleton University, has said it is “regrettable” that the United States is refusing to ease sanctions on Iran while the country is fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Iran: China leading fight against COVID-19, generously aiding other countries

TEHRAN – The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has lauded China for its role in the international struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic and praised Beijing for “generously aiding” other countries to counter the outbreak.

Military chief thanks those involved in coronavirus fight

TEHRAN — Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, the armed forces chief of staff, has offered his gratitude to the country’s medical staff, armed forces, Basij forces and people for their contribution in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak.