{"id":1516,"date":"2020-02-29T04:39:15","date_gmt":"2020-02-29T04:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/codir.net\/?p=1516"},"modified":"2020-02-29T04:51:12","modified_gmt":"2020-02-29T04:51:12","slug":"fears-mount-as-coronavirus-outbreak-worsens-in-sanctions-hit-iran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/codir.net\/?p=1516","title":{"rendered":"Fears mount as coronavirus outbreak worsens in sanctions-hit Iran"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"generic-article__summary--ul content--ul\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<li class=\"generic-article__summary--li content--li\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">Local official says death toll stands at 50, raising concerns of a cover-up and whether the country will be able to cope with the crisis<\/li>\n<li class=\"generic-article__summary--li content--li\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">Calls for US to ease restrictions to allow China and other Tehran-friendly countries to provide emergency aid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"main-images main__main-images\" data-v-687d08cc=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"main-image--single\" data-v-d93b574e=\"\" data-v-687d08cc=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-slide\" data-v-d93b574e=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-slide__img preview-img-item\" title=\"Schools, universities and cultural centres have been closed across Iran in an effort to limit the spread of the virus. Photo: AP\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" data-v-d93b574e=\"\">\n<div data-v-107701cc=\"\">As coronavirus cases and deaths spike in Iran, experts have warned the outbreak in the Islamic Republic could be far worse than officially reported, and emergency aid will be needed to help the sanctions-hit country avoid a humanitarian crisis.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"main__row row\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"row__details details\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div class=\"details__body body\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--a content--a\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\"><a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/world\/middle-east\/article\/3052093\/kuwait-bahrain-afghanistan-announce-first-coronavirus-cases\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">Fifty people have died from the new coronavirus <\/span><\/a>in the Shiite Muslim holy city of Qom this month, a local official was quoted as saying by Iran\u2019s semi-official ILNA news agency on Monday.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">The new figure, which has yet to be confirmed by the government, is significantly higher than the official tally, which stands at 12 deaths out of 47 confirmed infections, according to state television.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">More than 250 people are quarantined in the city, which is a popular place of religious study for Shiites from across Iran and other countries, Ahmad Amiriabadi Farahani, an official from Qom, told ILNA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dyRRsttna9k\" width=\"350\" height=\"197\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div class=\"details__body body\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--div content--div video-wrapper\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video-container generic-article__body article-details-type--iframe content--iframe c1\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-video-source=\"SCMP\" data-nid=\"3052443\" data-youtube-id=\"dyRRsttna9k\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video-details details\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\">\n<div class=\"detials__title\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\">Iran\u2019s deputy health minister catches coronavirus as outbreak causes shortage of masks and medicine<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Compared with <a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/topics\/coronavirus-outbreak-all-stories\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">other coronavirus hotspots<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 including China, where the disease originated \u2013 Iran has an unusually high death rate. It has prompted experts to raise concerns over whether there has been an official cover-up of the scale of the epidemic, and whether the country will be able to contain the deadly disease.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\"><\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m very much concerned about the potential Covid-19 outbreak in Iran, and some other Asian countries with weak health systems,\u201d said Chen Xi, assistant professor of health policy and economics at the Yale School of Public Health, referring to the disease caused by the coronavirus.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\" data-v-587061fd=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div class=\"details__body body body--next\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--outstream-1 content--outstream-1\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"div-outstream-ad-container\">\n<div><\/div>\n<div id=\"div-outstream-ad-93377e60-5aa6-11ea-9ab6-1548d78b1979\" class=\"inner\">\u201cWhile we still need to closely monitor any new cases in the coming days to reach an initial conclusion, the political system in Iran may greatly raise concerns about a cover-up,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"imageContainer generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--img content--img caption\" data-v-43c62f50=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-resolution=\"2\">\n<div class=\"body__image image\" data-v-43c62f50=\"\">\n<div class=\"image_wrapper wrapper\" data-v-43c62f50=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wrapper__img preview-img-item\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/d8\/images\/methode\/2020\/02\/26\/8819af34-5700-11ea-b438-8452af50d521_1320x770_150331.jpg\" alt=\"A woman buys a face mask from a street vendor in Tehran on Thursday. Iran reported its first cases of the virus on February 13. Photo: AFP\" width=\"470\" height=\"274\" data-v-43c62f50=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/d8\/images\/methode\/2020\/02\/26\/8819af34-5700-11ea-b438-8452af50d521_1320x770_150331.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"description-wrapper\" data-v-43c62f50=\"\">\n<div class=\"wrapper-item\" data-v-43c62f50=\"\">\n<div class=\"image__title\" data-v-43c62f50=\"\">A woman buys a face mask from a street vendor in Tehran on Thursday. Iran reported its first cases of the virus on February 13. Photo: AFP<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Iran reported its first cases of the virus on February 13 and its first deaths six days later \u2013 two days before the country\u2019s four-yearly legislative elections on Friday, which had <a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/world\/middle-east\/article\/3051996\/iran-announces-low-election-turnout-blames-coronavirus\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">an unusually low turnout<\/span><\/a>\u00a0because of widespread fears about the disease.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\"><\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Authorities in Iran have announced a week-long closure of schools, universities and cultural centres across its 14 provinces in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\"><\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">But it has yet to release detailed information on the outbreak, including how many people are in quarantine and what kind of medical and other aid it may need to combat the disease.<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">The virus appears to have spread quickly in the region, with neighbouring countries reporting infections among people travelling from Iran. Several countries, including Turkey, Iraq and Pakistan, have\u00a0 <a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/world\/middle-east\/article\/3051965\/iran-takes-drastic-steps-contain-rapid-coronavirus-outbreak\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">shut their borders with Iran <\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Many others, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Afghanistan, have imposed travel and immigration restrictions on the Islamic Republic.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\"><\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">However, the country\u2019s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tried to play down the outbreak, accusing Tehran\u2019s enemies of playing up \u201cnegative propaganda\u201d over the coronavirus threat to <a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/world\/middle-east\/article\/3051996\/iran-announces-low-election-turnout-blames-coronavirus\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">undermine the elections <\/span><\/a>, without naming Iran\u2019s arch-rival the United States.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/x2dxkSCpxpo\" width=\"350\" height=\"197\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--div content--div video-wrapper\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video-container generic-article__body article-details-type--iframe content--iframe c1\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-video-source=\"SCMP\" data-nid=\"3052072\" data-youtube-id=\"x2dxkSCpxpo\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video-details details\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\">\n<div class=\"detials__title\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\">Iran coronavirus death toll highest outside China as concerns rise about speed of country\u2019s outbreak<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Chen and Chinese experts warned that Iran\u2019s economy and its health care system had been hit hard by US-led sanctions over Tehran\u2019s nuclear programme since the 1980s, especially those imposed after President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the <a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/china\/diplomacy\/article\/3044886\/china-promises-relentless-efforts-save-iran-nuclear-deal-after\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">Iran nuclear deal <\/span><\/a>in August 2018.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Studies by Human Rights Watch and other groups last year found the country\u2019s health care sector was severely affected under the latest round of US sanctions, putting cancer and other patients in danger, without access to life-saving medicine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Hua Liming, a former Chinese ambassador to Iran, said the outbreak was a major test for Tehran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cWhile I don\u2019t think the outbreak in Iran will be as bad as in China, it is true that Iran lacks essential materials, especially in terms of its poorly equipped hospitals and medical staff, to cope with the disease by itself if this continues to escalate,\u201d Hua said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">In a joint letter with other experts published in medical journal\u00a0<em class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--em content--em\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">The Lancet<\/em>\u00a0in August, Iran\u2019s deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi admitted different rounds of economic sanctions since 1980 have had harsh effects on the health and well-being of ordinary Iranians.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">The International Court of Justice in The Hague <a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/world\/europe\/article\/2166816\/top-un-court-orders-us-lift-iran-sanctions-linked-humanitarian\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">issued a rare ruling <\/span><\/a>\u00a0two years ago, ordering Washington to lift restrictive measures linked to humanitarian trade, food, medicine and civil aviation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cThe sanctions over decades have also intensified a shortage of medical supplies. Their diagnostic technologies are also lagging behind,\u201d Chen said. \u201cI think the international community should work together to transparently share passengers\u2019 travel data, standardise the accuracy of test kits and allow humanitarian aid to ship to Iran,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cHowever, all these efforts may be uncertain and disrupted given the recent retreat from the Iran nuclear deal and Trump\u2019s policy towards Iran.\u201d<\/p>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--div content--div methode-html-wrapper\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--iframe content--iframe fitvidsignore\" data-v-77bb1695=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">\n<div id=\"iframe-container\" class=\"\" data-v-77bb1695=\"\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/multimedia.scmp.com\/2019\/graphics\/launchers\/20200121.html\" width=\"100%\" height=\"400px\" frameborder=\"0\" data-v-77bb1695=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Experts called on the US to ease its restrictions on humanitarian trade with Iran, which would allow China and other Tehran-friendly countries, including Russia, to provide medical and humanitarian aid to the Islamic Republic before the disease escalates into a greater crisis in the region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--a content--a\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">\n<div data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">\n<div class=\"recirc\" data-v-25497950=\"\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">\n<div class=\"recirc__left left\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div class=\"left__title\" data-v-25497950=\"\">US charges five with conspiring to sell sanctioned Iran oil to China refinery<\/div>\n<div class=\"left__date\" data-v-25497950=\"\">12 Feb 2020<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"recirc__right right\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image\" title=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div data-v-107701cc=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-wrapper__preview-image\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAMAAAACCAQAAAA3fa6RAAAAEElEQVR42mN8+p8BCBghFAAiEQPLD3901QAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" alt=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/237x147\/public\/d8\/images\/methode\/2020\/02\/12\/00199758-4d40-11ea-9b4e-9c10402c07b7_image_hires_104250.JPG?itok=H30-0_EC&amp;v=1581475381\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-wrapper__image loaded\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/237x147\/public\/d8\/images\/methode\/2020\/02\/12\/00199758-4d40-11ea-9b4e-9c10402c07b7_image_hires_104250.JPG?itok=H30-0_EC&amp;v=1581475381\" alt=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Li Guofu, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, a think tank in Beijing affiliated with the foreign ministry, said China may have a key role to play in helping Tehran during the crisis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cWhile the disease is new and the world may have little experience in dealing with it or a cure, China should work with other countries to find out what Iran needs and provide aid such as face masks and other protective equipment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Chen said China and others should work with the World Health Organisation, of which Iran is also a member, to provide test kits for earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and share the experience of mandatory quarantine to help contain the spread of the virus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div id=\"Blockquote\" class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--blockquote-quote content--blockquote-quote blockquote\" data-v-975555fe=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"pull-quote-top-container\" data-v-975555fe=\"\">\n<div class=\"pull-quote-top\" data-v-975555fe=\"\">If Iran experiences a major outbreak, the US will come under mounting international pressure to remove some of its sanctions to allow humanitarian aid, said Gal Luft, co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security in Washington.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cThe Trump administration will face a moral dilemma: whether to remove some of the pressure on Iran or face international condemnation for putting millions at risk,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Luft said as fears of a global pandemic grew and countries stockpiled face masks and other medical equipment, it could be hard for other nations to help Iran effectively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--a content--a\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">\n<div data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">\n<div class=\"recirc\" data-v-25497950=\"\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">\n<div class=\"recirc__left left\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div class=\"left__title\" data-v-25497950=\"\">China and Iran: a relationship built on trade, weapons and oil<\/div>\n<div class=\"left__date\" data-v-25497950=\"\">17 Feb 2020<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"recirc__right right\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image\" title=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div data-v-107701cc=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-wrapper__preview-image\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAMAAAACCAQAAAA3fa6RAAAAEElEQVR42mN8+p8BCBghFAAiEQPLD3901QAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" alt=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/237x147\/public\/d8\/images\/methode\/2020\/01\/09\/732a59e4-3206-11ea-9400-58350050ee52_image_hires_160636.jpg?itok=fBN6GsbS&amp;v=1578557201\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-wrapper__image loaded\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/237x147\/public\/d8\/images\/methode\/2020\/01\/09\/732a59e4-3206-11ea-9400-58350050ee52_image_hires_160636.jpg?itok=fBN6GsbS&amp;v=1578557201\" alt=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Iran sent 3 million face masks to China early this month, but after public complaints about a shortage in the country, Tehran banned further mask exports to China.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cThe best way for Iran to deal with the disease is to do precisely what China has done \u2013 quarantine. If Wuhan with its 11 million population can be under quarantine, so can Tehran with its 8 million,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--div content--div video-wrapper\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video-container generic-article__body article-details-type--iframe content--iframe c1\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-video-source=\"SCMP\" data-nid=\"3051992\" data-youtube-id=\"_mL15S538ZE\">\n<div id=\"div-yt-video-9342a1f0-5aa6-11ea-9ab6-1548d78b1979\" class=\"youtube-video__container\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\">\n<div data-v-aea9a976=\"\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"youtube-player-3\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_mL15S538ZE?autoplay=0&amp;rel=0&amp;embed_config=%7B%22relatedChannels%22%3A%5B%22UC4SUWizzKc1tptprBkWjX2Q%22%5D%2C%22adsConfig%22%3A%7B%22adTagParameters%22%3A%7B%22iu%22%3A%22%2F8134%2Fscmp%2Fweb%2Fchina_diplomacydefence%2Farticle%2Finstream1%22%2C%22cust_params%22%3A%7B%22scnid%22%3A%223052152%22%2C%22sctid%22%3A%22503302%22%2C%22scsid%22%3A%5B%2291%22%2C%224%22%2C%22318199%22%5D%2C%22articletype%22%3A%22DEFAULT%22%7D%7D%7D%7D&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scmp.com&amp;widgetid=3\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div data-v-aea9a976=\"\">\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--div content--div video-wrapper\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video-container generic-article__body article-details-type--iframe content--iframe c1\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-video-source=\"SCMP\" data-nid=\"3051992\" data-youtube-id=\"_mL15S538ZE\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video-details details\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\">\n<div class=\"detials__title\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\">Coronavirus: Wuhan, the city at the epicentre of the epidemic marks a month under lockdown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">The coronavirus has <a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/china\/society\/article\/3052019\/coronavirus-chinas-second-worst-hit-province-guangdong-lowers\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">killed more than 2,500 people and infected over 77,000<\/span><\/a>, mostly in mainland China, since the epidemic began in December.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"youtube-video-details details\" data-v-aea9a976=\"\">\n<div class=\"main-images main__main-images\" data-v-687d08cc=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"main-image--single\" data-v-d93b574e=\"\" data-v-687d08cc=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-slide\" data-v-d93b574e=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image-slide__img preview-img-item\" title=\"Schools, universities and cultural centres have been closed across Iran in an effort to limit the spread of the virus. Photo: AP\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" data-v-d93b574e=\"\">\n<div data-v-107701cc=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"main__row row\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"row__details details\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"\" data-v-587061fd=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div class=\"details__body body body--next\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div id=\"Blockquote\" class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--blockquote-quote content--blockquote-quote blockquote\" data-v-975555fe=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"block-quote-container\" data-v-975555fe=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\"><\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--div content--div methode-html-wrapper\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--iframe content--iframe\" data-v-77bb1695=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">\n<div id=\"iframe-container\" class=\"\" data-v-77bb1695=\"\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/multimedia.scmp.com\/widgets\/china\/wuhanvirus\/\" width=\"100%\" height=\"560\" frameborder=\"0\" data-v-77bb1695=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Most experts believe the crisis could see China and Iran edge closer, to counter the Trump administration\u2019s hostile approach to authoritarian nations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Iran \u2013 isolated by its allies and regional powers such as Israel and Saudi Arabia \u2013 sees China as a powerful ally and its economic lifeline, and it looks set to increase that dependence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cWhile Iran has suspended flights and visas for Chinese visitors, it won\u2019t affect bilateral ties because both countries need each other\u2013 due largely to their worsening ties with the US,\u201d said former diplomat Hua.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">With the US becoming increasingly antagonistic and hostile, China may not need to distance itself from Iran as it has done in the past to avoid angering Washington, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">China remains the biggest buyer of Iranian oil despite the US sanctions on crude trade, with private Chinese oil companies playing a leading role, Hua said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--a content--a\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">\n<div data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">\n<div class=\"recirc\" data-v-25497950=\"\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">\n<div class=\"recirc__left left\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div class=\"left__title\" data-v-25497950=\"\">US lifts Iran sanctions on one unit of Chinese shipping giant Cosco<\/div>\n<div class=\"left__date\" data-v-25497950=\"\">15 Feb 2020<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"recirc__right right\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper image\" title=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" data-v-25497950=\"\">\n<div data-v-107701cc=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-wrapper__preview-image\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAMAAAACCAQAAAA3fa6RAAAAEElEQVR42mN8+p8BCBghFAAiEQPLD3901QAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" alt=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/237x147\/public\/d8\/images\/methode\/2020\/02\/01\/8e4e286c-4454-11ea-9fd9-ecfbb38a9743_image_hires_050148.jpg?itok=_cBp0lhq&amp;v=1580504513\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-wrapper__image loaded\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/237x147\/public\/d8\/images\/methode\/2020\/02\/01\/8e4e286c-4454-11ea-9fd9-ecfbb38a9743_image_hires_050148.jpg?itok=_cBp0lhq&amp;v=1580504513\" alt=\"\" data-v-107701cc=\"\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Both Hua and researcher Li believed Iran would be able to maintain stability in the coronavirus crisis, and after Friday\u2019s elections, hardliners in Tehran would most probably continue their anti-America policies while seeking closer ties with Beijing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">Luft also noted the outbreak could be an opportunity for Iran to strengthen its anti-America regime.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\u201cIt is precisely because of Iran\u2019s international isolation and authoritarian regime that a coronavirus outbreak there may be less consequential than in any other country, other than North Korea,\u201d he said. \u201cIn fact, an outbreak there could give the regime more power to tighten control over the population and nip in the bud popular unrest that has been developing due to the country\u2019s dire economic situation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<p class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\"><em class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--em content--em\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">Additional reporting by Associated Press<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--div content--div scmp-china-end-text\" data-v-214d9114=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--p content--p\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">\n<div class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--a content--a\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\" data-v-214d9114=\"\"><a class=\"link-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/china-ai-report\/redeem?coupon=PFZ7jKZm&amp;utm_source=scmp&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_campaign=CSB-I-inhouse-research_ai_report-scmp-20-wp-1a\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\"><span class=\"text\" data-v-90ec3c4a=\"\">Purchase the China AI Report 2020<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<p><strong class=\"generic-article__body article-details-type--strong content--strong\" data-v-214d9114=\"\">\u00a0brought to you by SCMP Research and enjoy a 20% discount (original price US$400). This 60-page all new intelligence report gives you first-hand insights and analysis into the latest industry developments and intelligence about China AI. Get exclusive access to our webinars for continuous learning, and interact with China AI executives in live Q&amp;A. Offer valid until 31 March 2020.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\" data-v-587061fd=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div class=\"advert article__footer-ad\" data-v-c4a664e6=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"advert__outer\" data-v-c4a664e6=\"\">\n<div class=\"advert__holder\" data-v-c4a664e6=\"\">\n<div id=\"native-1-45985f70-5aac-11ea-9ab6-1548d78b1979\" class=\"advert__inner\" data-v-c4a664e6=\"\" data-ad-info=\"{&quot;zone&quot;:&quot;china_diplomacydefence\/article\/d_native1&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:[&quot;fluid&quot;],&quot;name&quot;:&quot;native-1&quot;,&quot;targeting&quot;:{&quot;scnid&quot;:&quot;3052152&quot;,&quot;sctid&quot;:&quot;503302&quot;,&quot;scsid&quot;:[&quot;91&quot;,&quot;4&quot;,&quot;318199&quot;],&quot;articletype&quot;:&quot;DEFAULT&quot;,&quot;adslot&quot;:&quot;native1&quot;}}\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div data-v-587061fd=\"\">\n<div class=\"comment details__comment\" data-v-193bbfe8=\"\" data-v-a61dceae=\"\">\n<div class=\"article-author__image image\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/author\/shi-jiangtao-0\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img__cover-image cover-image\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.i-scmp.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/fit=contain,width=70\/sites\/default\/files\/shi-jiangtao.png\" alt=\"Shi Jiangtao\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.i-scmp.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/fit=contain,width=70\/sites\/default\/files\/shi-jiangtao.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author_information information\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\">\n<div class=\"information__main-info main-info\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\">\n<div class=\"main-info__names\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\"><span class=\"main-info__name\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/author\/shi-jiangtao-0\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\">Shi Jiangtao<\/a><span class=\"main-info__location\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\">\u00a0in Hong Kong\/Beijing<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"main-info__last-update last-update last-update--inactive\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\">\n<p class=\"last-update__published published\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\"><time datetime=\"2020-02-24T21:00:15.000Z\" data-v-1c1421d4=\"\">Published: 5:00am, 25 Feb, 2020<\/time><\/p>\n<p data-v-1c1421d4=\"\"><strong>South China Morning Post<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"share-this\">\n                    <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share\"\nclass=\"twitter-share-button\"\ndata-count=\"horizontal\">Tweet<\/a>\n                    <script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"http:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\"><\/script>\n                    <div class=\"facebook-share-button\">\n                        <iframe\nsrc=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fcodir.net%2F%3Fp%3D1516&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=200&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=21\"\nscrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\noverflow:hidden; width:200px; height:21px;\"\nallowTransparency=\"true\"><\/iframe>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Local official says death toll stands at 50, raising concerns of a cover-up and whether the country will be able to cope with the crisis Calls for US to ease restrictions to allow China and other Tehran-friendly countries to provide [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1517,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1516","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","category-news-analysis"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1516","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1516"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1516\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1520,"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1516\/revisions\/1520"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1517"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1516"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1516"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codir.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1516"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}