DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a speech on state television for the Persian New Year, praised Iranians for their “dazzling” sacrifices in fighting the coronavirus outbreak in the worst-hit country in the Middle East.
Iran’s utmost authority said it has been a tumultuous year for Iranians who have endured U.S. sanctions, floods, and the coronavirus that has killed nearly 1,300 people in Iran and infected more than 18,000 people.
“These acts of sacrifice were made by medical groups, physicians, nurses, assistants, managers and the staff working in hospitals,” said Khamenei, who looked healthy despite rumors that he had been infected with the new coronavirus.
Officials close to Khamenei, contacted by Reuters on Wednesday, denied the rumors.
Nowruz, or “new day” in Persian, is an ancient celebration and the most important date in the calendar, when families gather and exchange gifts. But the coronavirus has overshadowed the celebrations.
“Last year was a tumultuous year for the Iranian nation,” Khamenei said. “It was a year that began with the floods and that ended with the coronavirus…but we will overcome all hardships with unity.”
He named the new year: “The year of boosting production”.
In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said Iranians praised doctors and nurses for their courage in fighting the disease.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a televised speech on the occasion of the Iranian New Year Nowruz, in Tehran, Iran March 20, 2020. Official Khamenei website/Handout via REUTERS
Millions of Iranians are now confined within their own walls for the New Year celebrations. But police said many defied warnings by health officials to stay home and avoid crowds by heading to the Caspian coast, a favourite destination during the Nowruz holidays.
“A UNIQUE SPEECH”
Unlike in his usual fiery speeches, the anti-U.S. hardliner Khamenei refrained from attacking Iran’s longtime foe in his remarks.
“Iran benefited from America’s sanctions. It made us self-sufficient in all areas,” Khamenei said.
Friction between Tehran and Washington has increased since 2018 when U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy.
Iran on Thursday granted a medical furlough to imprisoned U.S. Navy veteran Michael White, who has been in prison since his arrest in 2018. His release is conditioned on him staying in Iran, U.S. Secretary of state Mike Pompeo said.
White was sentenced to at least 10 years in prison on charges of insulting Khamenei and posting anti-establishment remarks on social media under a pseudonym.
It is not clear exactly how many Americans Iran may hold, but Washington has warned Tehran that it would hold the clerical rulers directly responsible for any American deaths since the outbreak has infected the Islamic Republic.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a televised speech on the occasion of the Iranian New Year Nowruz, in Tehran, Iran March 20, 2020. Official Khamenei website/Handout via REUTERS
But growing discontent over economic hardship, combined with the coronavirus outbreak’s impact, could force Iran to choose diplomacy over confrontation with the United States.
“Yes. It was a very unique speech by the leader. His language was different, his tone was different and it was not hostile towards America,” said an official in Tehran, who asked not to be named.
When asked whether Tehran and Washington might try to ease the tension, he said : “Americans know what they should do. First sanctions or at least some sanctions must be lifted. Then we will see.”
Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Angus MacSwan
326369 451160I dont believe Ive read anything like this before. So great to uncover somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. thank for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the internet, someone with just a little originality. Excellent job for bringing something new towards the internet! 348432
56497 255987I really enjoyed your remarkable website. Be certain to keep it up. May possibly god bless you !!!! 500489
330865 476740Some genuinely select articles on this internet site , bookmarked . 128887
196104 472248An extremely interesting examine, I may possibly not agree completely, but you do make some really legitimate factors. 258744
542152 12043Youve made various nice points there. I did specific search terms around the matter and discovered mainly individuals will believe your internet site 437886
460714 543128Excellent editorial! Would like took pleasure the specific following. Im hoping to learn to read a lot a lot more of you. Theres no doubt that you possess tremendous awareness and even imagination. I happen to be very highly fascinated employing this critical data. 755598
260483 526405Really clear internet site , thanks for this post. 917621
170002 721246I truly like forgathering utile info, this post has got me even far more info! . 188876
354784 247482Taylor Lautner By the way you might want to have a look at this cool internet site I found 544237
270094 241017I likewise conceive so , perfectly written post! . 400090
121407 783492The electronic cigarette uses a battery and a small heating factor the vaporize the e-liquid. This vapor can then be inhaled and exhaled 857418
739457 248902I like this post really a lot. I will definitely be back. Hope that I can go through much more insightful posts then. Will likely be sharing your wisdom with all of my pals! 482574
623446 900679Hey! I basically wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the great info youve got here on this post. I will likely be coming back to your blog for a lot more soon. 962144
135725 101826I saw your post awhile back and saved it to my computer. Only lately have I got a chance to checking it and need to tell you good function. 183968
729661 227504How a lot of an exciting piece of writing, continue creating companion 166900