President Rouhani told his Venezuelan counterpart that “the oppressive and illegal sanctions of the U.S. in the field of oil production against Iran and Venezuela are contrary to international rules and human principles”. Relatedly, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif indicated that “despite U.S. sanctions, Iran has made significant progress in fighting the [COVID-19] pandemic, thanks to its human and scientific resources, and friends abroad. COVID-19 was an opportunity for the U.S. to kick its addiction to sanctions. Instead, it will now live in infamy in the memory of our people”.