Rouhani: Virus Emergency Could Last Through January

Iranian women wearing face masks ride a bus in the capital Tehran amid the novel coronavirus pandemic on August 9, 2020. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
Iranian women wearing face masks ride a bus in the capital Tehran amid the novel coronavirus pandemic on August 9, 2020. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
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Rouhani: Virus Emergency Could Last Through January

Iranian women wearing face masks ride a bus in the capital Tehran amid the novel coronavirus pandemic on August 9, 2020. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
Iranian women wearing face masks ride a bus in the capital Tehran amid the novel coronavirus pandemic on August 9, 2020. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Iran will remain in a state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus until at least January, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday.

"We have been in this situation for six months and we must prepare ourselves for another six months at least," Rouhani said, adding that this meant any complete easing of safety measures was not in the cards for now.

"We must find a middle way between normality and sticking to the virus restrictions," he said in remarks published on his website that appeared to justify those measures he has taken to date to ease the country's response to the virus.

The easing of restrictions during the past two months has led people in Iran to pay less attention to the pandemic and the health regulations, dpa reported.

It has also led to criticism of the president, as there has been a surge in case numbers, with some 200 deaths a day.

Overall, Iran has reported a death toll of more than 18,000 and more than 320,000 infections.

The number of deaths has fallen slightly in recent days, however. Experts attribute this to people wearing masks and maintaining social-distancing.

The Health Ministry has said this is no reason for complacency.

"Our minimum goal in the short term should continue to be to bring the death toll down to the double digits, said Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi in remarks to Isna news agency on Sunday.

The police are now able to fine people for failing to follow health rules, mainly those refusing to wear masks.



Trump Says Both Iran and Israel Violated a Ceasefire

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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Trump Says Both Iran and Israel Violated a Ceasefire

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump says Israel and Iran violated ceasefire terms with attacks following an early Tuesday deadline to cease hostilities.

Trump in comments to reporters at the White House before departing for the NATO summit at The Hague expressed disappointment about the continued attacks.

“They violated it but Israel violated it too,” Trump said. He added, ”I’m not happy with Israel.”