The Croatian president, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, has lashed out at the United States for its increased pressure and sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Croatian President Zoran Milanović on Monday slammed as “inhumane” the increase of US sanctions and pressure on Iran in such a difficult situation.
He made the remarks in a phone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who, in turn, urged Europe to take a tougher stance toward the US’ unilateralism.
Blasting the unlawful, irrational and inhumane behavior of the United States – including its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the sanctions and maximum pressure it has imposed on the Iranian nation – President Rouhani said the continuation of such behavior is totally inhumane.
Iran expects European countries to act against such behavior and take a tough stance, Rouhani added.
Various international leaders, figures and groups have denounced Washington’s sanctions for hampering Iran’s coronavirus fight.
The sanctions, imposed on the country after Washington withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018, target much-need humanitarian aid and related finances from reaching the country.
The bans come despite an International Court of Justice's ruling banning Washington’s aid-related sanctions in 2018.
According to the latest numbers released by Iran’s Health Ministry on Monday, 91,472 Iranians have contracted the disease, 5,806 of whom have lost their lives. 70,933 people have also recovered.