Iran has been badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the first cases of coronavirus were registered in February, the number of confirmed cases has exceeded 100,000, with more than 6,000 victims. The government has implemented a lockdown and has encouraged social distancing, while asking for the removal of US sanctions, which are hampering the Iranian health system response. As the US has doubled down on sanctions, other countries in the Persian Gulf region, as well as the EU, have conveyed aid and solidarity, raising hopes for future regional cooperation.
What are the consequences of the pandemic on the health security of a country already plagued by sanctions? How has the Islamic Republic responded to the crisis and what is its impact on state-society relations? Which consequences on Iran's regional and international geopolitics?