Iran’s Khamenei Dismisses US Virus Help, Citing Conspiracy Theory

Iran

March 22nd, 8:44am

Asharq Al-Awsat

People shop at a market in Iran amid the coronavirus outbreak. (Reuters)

Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei dismissed on Sunday the United States’ offer to help Tehran it its fight against the coronavirus, citing an unfounded conspiracy theory that the virus could be man-made by America. "Possibly your (offered) medicine is a way to spread the virus more," Khamenei said in a televised speech. "Or if you send therapists and doctors, maybe he wants to see the effect of the poison, since it is said that part of the virus is built for Iran." There is no scientific proof offered anywhere in the world to support his comments. Khamenei, said Iran had the capability to overcome “any kind of crisis and challenges, including the coronavirus outbreak”. Tensions have been running high between Iran and the United States since 2018, when US President Donald Trump exited Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy. Frictions increased when Trump ordered a US drone strike that killed top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3. Iran retaliated by hitting US targets in Iraq on Jan. 8. Khamenei’s comments come as Iran has over 20,600 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus amid 1,556 reported deaths. Iran is one of the hardest-hit countries in the world by the new virus. Across the Middle East, Iran represents eight of 10 cases of the virus and those leaving the country have carried the virus to others. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2193091/iran%E2%80%99s-khamenei-dismisses-us-virus-help-citing-conspiracy-theory