Iran’s deputy minister of health and an MP have both tested positive for the new coronavirus, struggling to contain an outbreak that killed 15 people.
The country is one of three centers outside China which cause concern that the virus may become a pandemic.
Read More: 270 people returning from Iran quarantined in Taftan border
On Monday, deputy minister Iraj Harirchi denied covering up the outbreak’s scale. He showed up in physical discomfort as he spoke with reporters.
Iran reported 95 cases but it is believed that the actual number is higher, according to the media.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General said that the sudden rise in cases in countries other than China is “deeply concerning.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that Washington was worried that Iran might have concealed “vital details” about its outbreak and urged all nations “to tell the truth about the coronavirus.”
More people have died from the virus in Iran than elsewhere outside of China. The two countries have strong commercial ties.
Other countries who have currently been hit the hardest are South Korea and Italy, where reports in recent days have surged.
