The Permanent Mission of Iran to the United Nations in a Sunday report called the US sanctions the “fifth column” of the pandemic by hampering Iran's efforts to contain the deadly virus.

Iran’s Health Ministry Spokesman said that the total number of coronavirus cases in the country has reached 73,303.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Foreign Minister, in a message to her Iranian counterpart, praised Iran's management of coronavirus outbreak and patient treatment.

Vatican's Secretary of State expressed sympathy with the Iranian people over coronavirus losses, saying that he had discussed with the United States the lifting of sanctions against Iran.

Spokesperson for the Coronavirus Combat and Prevention Headquarters Kianoush Jahanpour said on Sun. that the country has developed COVID-19 rapid test kits based on antibody detection, adding that the kits will hit the market soon.

An Iranian knowledge-based firm succeeded in producing an ozone generator that is applicable for anti-coronavirus combat.

Iran’s Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on Sunday that the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in Iran has risen to 4,474 with 71,686 confirmed cases.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that some of the restrictions will ease as of Saturday, April 18, calling on the Iranian people to observe the health protocols to fight the outbreak.

Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that the country will not seek help from other countries to meet its defense needs.

Iranian Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on Friday that the total number of coronavirus cases in the country has reached 68,192.