US has missed opportunity to lift sanctions on Iran amid coronavirus: Rouhani

A handout picture provided by the Iranian presidency on March 25, 2020, shows Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaking during a cabinet session in the capital Tehran. (FIle/AFP)

• Rouhani said it was a good opportunity for the US to apologize and lift the "unjust and unfair" sanctions on Iran

DUBAI: Iran’s president said on Wednesday the United States had missed a historical opportunity to lift sanctions on his country during the coronavirus outbreak, though he said the penalties had not hampered Tehran’s fight against the infection.

“It was a great opportunity for Americans to apologize ... and to lift the unjust and unfair sanctions on Iran, Hassan Rouhani said in a televised cabinet meeting.

“The sanctions have failed to hamper our efforts to fight against the coronavirus outbreak.”