Tehran, 06 May_The Iranian and Austrian presidents express opposition to the persisting US sanctions, saying the bans constitute an obstacle to provision of medical supplies needed to combat the new coronavirus pandemic gripping the world.
Speaking on the phone on Wenesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Austrian couterpart Alexander Van der Bellen stressed the need for comprehensive international cooperation to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
They also emphasized that Tehran and Vienna are ready to share their experience and strengthen their joint cooperation to that end.
Despite the current difficult conditions amid the fight against COVID-19, Rouhani said, the United States presses ahead with its sanctions impeding Iran's efforts to meet its pharmaceutical and medical needs.
“The US administration strongly opposes even borrowing money from the International Monetary Fund to fight the virus,” he added.
“Europe's activity is of significance as to how to deal with this pandemic, help countries and end the illegal [US] sanctions, and I hope we will see a new move and initiative on the part of Europe,” Rouhani noted.