TEHRAN, Iran, March 26
Trend:
The Head of Iran Central Bank Abdolnasser Hemmati has announced that thanks to efforts of the foreign ministry and the CBA as well, some of Iran's frozen foreign assets are likely to be released, Trend reports via IRNA.
Speaking on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, Hemmati said that these assets had been frozen under pressure of the US government in other countries.
“Based on the reports we have, these resources will probably be released,” said Hemmati.
"We hope we can use these released resources to provide essential goods, medicines and medical equipment for the people," he said.
"The supply of basic commodities for the country is being seriously pursued,” he said.
Hemmati went on to say that last Iranian year (ended on March, 20), $15 billion worth of medicine and essential commodities were imported into the country.
Hemmati also expressed hope that as soon as the coronavirus outbreak ends, Iran's economic situation will improve.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 24,800 people have been infected, 1,934 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 8,900 have reportedly recovered from the disease.
The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.
The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.