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1. So the Reuters report leaves a lot out. Rouhani's statement sought to reassure the public that the country would have enough FX to afford medical supplies and foodstuffs and that the poverty rate in Iran won't skyrocket. These are acute challenges *because* of US sanctions. https://twitter.com/statedeptspox/status/1245398278910468101
2. Iran faces dual public health and economic crisis. In the statement he is making it clear the extent of the challenge. He says COVID-19 may be in Iran "for months to come." Despite these crises, and despite sanctions, Rouhani is claiming his government has responded well.
3. Presidents tend to say that they are doing a good job in difficult circumstances even while simultaneously seeking assistance. Should we take Trump at his word and send back the aid pouring into the US? Rouhani is under pressure not to appear needy. He's walking a tightrope.
4. Of course, if the Trump admin could convincingly show that sanctions are not impeding Iran's #COVID19 response, they would not be scanning the speeches of Iranian leaders for quotes that absolve them of guilt over their waffling on this issue. It's just sad really.
5. Ortagus also doesn't seem to understand that the implication of Rouhani's statement is that sanctions are *intended* to hamper Iran's #COVID19 response. That's why he said "failed." Rather than push back on that notion, the admin is content to say "Look there's no impediment."
6. Here is a link to the statement. Use Google translate and you'll get a better idea of where Rouhani was coming from than what is presented curtly in the Reuters report: http://president.ir/fa/114545
