“Unilateral coercive actions, including sanctions, are illegal, immoral and inhumane." They explicitly violate international law as well as basic human rights,” said Majid Takht-Ravanchi in a virtual meeting that was initiated by Iran and nine other countries, to review the effects of unilateral actions on the people of the target countries.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a country hit hard by the corona, has been under long-term sanctions for years. These illegal actions have prevented banks and financial institutions from trading and financial transactions with Iran," Takht-Ravanchi stated. “We hear from Western countries that there are exemptions and waivers that are, in fact, only on paper. Such sanctions have severely threatened the health of Iranians, their access to essential medicines, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and medical products.”

“Unilateral US sanctions hurt Iranian patients even more. As a result of these sanctions, the annual number of deaths of women, children, and innocent people has increased,” Takht-Ravanchi underscored, adding: “These sanctions primarily target the vulnerable more than others. Sanctions have made it difficult for patients, especially cancer patients, butterflies, and those undergoing chemotherapy, to receive medicines and medical supplies.”

“We have a moral responsibility to stand up to sanctions and demand that they be lifted immediately, “ the Iranian diplomat concluded.