Iran Registers More than 2,000 COVID-19 Cases

Iran says a recent surge in confirmed coronavirus cases is the result of increased testing rather than a second wave of infection. AFP
Iran says a recent surge in confirmed coronavirus cases is the result of increased testing rather than a second wave of infection. AFP
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Iran Registers More than 2,000 COVID-19 Cases

Iran says a recent surge in confirmed coronavirus cases is the result of increased testing rather than a second wave of infection. AFP
Iran says a recent surge in confirmed coronavirus cases is the result of increased testing rather than a second wave of infection. AFP

Iran on Wednesday announced registering 2,011 new COVID-19 infections, raising the overall number in the country to 177,938.

Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari who announced the new number said fatalities had also reached 8,506 with 81 new deaths over the same period.

The new infections come in line with a recent surge in cases that President Hassan Rouhani attributed to increased testing.

"When more tests are done, then naturally more cases are identified," Rouhani told a televised meeting of his cabinet.

But the high number of recent cases "does not have a negative aspect to it, and people should not worry", he added, AFP reported.

The Health Ministry says it has carried out more than one million COVID-19 tests since it reported the country's first cases on February 19.

There has been scepticism at home and abroad about Iran's official figures, with concerns the real toll could be much higher.

Rising infection figures since a low in early May and lax observance of social distancing have worried authorities, which have reiterated calls for strict adherence to health protocols.



Italy against Suspending EU-Israel Accord, Foreign Minister Says

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani talks to the press as he arrives for an informal meeting of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) foreign ministers ahead of potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye, in Antalya, on May 15, 2025. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani talks to the press as he arrives for an informal meeting of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) foreign ministers ahead of potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye, in Antalya, on May 15, 2025. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)
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Italy against Suspending EU-Israel Accord, Foreign Minister Says

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani talks to the press as he arrives for an informal meeting of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) foreign ministers ahead of potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye, in Antalya, on May 15, 2025. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani talks to the press as he arrives for an informal meeting of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) foreign ministers ahead of potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye, in Antalya, on May 15, 2025. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)

Italy is against a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement over alleged human rights violations in Gaza, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday.

"Our position is different from that of Spain," Tajani said on the sidelines of a meeting with EU colleagues in Brussels, referring to Spain's support for a suspension of the deal.

Tajani said it was important to keep relations open with Israel, saying that this had facilitated the evacuation of some civilians out of Gaza.