Another Iranian Official Dies from Coronavirus

Hossein Sheikholeslam, deputy of international affairs at Azad University and a veteran diplomat of the Islamic Republic, died Thursday evening, March 5th, from infection with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, at Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran.

He is the third Iranian official to die from coronavirus. Iranian media reported on Tuesday that Ahmad Touserkani, advisor to the head of Iran’s Judiciary, died from coronavirus infection.

Reports indicate that several other Iranian officials are also infected with the coronavirus. The death of Mohammad Mirmohammadi, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, from coronavirus infection had previously been reported.

The U.S. Secretary of State last Friday referred to “cover-ups” by Islamic Republic officials regarding the coronavirus outbreak and said America is ready to help improve Iran’s healthcare system.

The United States announced Thursday that it has issued exemptions from Iran sanctions and will allow the Central Bank of Iran to carry out financial transfers for the delivery of certain humanitarian services.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump also announced Washington’s readiness to assist Tehran in dealing with the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease, making it conditional on Iran’s “request.”

Source: Voice of America