Adviser to Iran’s foreign minister dies of coronavirus

Hussein Sheikholeslam, an Iranian diplomat, has died of coronavirus.

The 67-year old diplomat reportedly died on Friday morning in a hospital in Iran’s capital city, Tehran.

Sheikholeslam, was an advisor to Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iranian foreign minister, who described him “as a friend and always fair-minded diplomat”.

The deceased served as a deputy foreign minister from 1981 to 1997. He was also a former ambassador to Syria.

Iran has lost some of its top government officials to the disease since its outbreak in the country, including Seyed Mohammad Mir-Mohammadi, an advisor of the supreme leader, and Mohammad Ali Dastak, a member of the Iranian parliament.

As of Thursday, more than 3,500 people have been infected with coronavirus with 107 deaths recorded in the country. Although, the death toll is suspected to be higher.

Among those infected are Iran’s vice-president for women and family affairs, and its deputy health minister.

On Tuesday, Reza Misri, deputy speaker of Iran’s parliament, disclosed that 23 of his colleagues have also tested positive for coronavirus.

In order to reduce the spread of the disease, Tehran barred government officials from traveling, and parliament has been suspended indefinitely.

The country also closed down schools until April. Saeed Namaki, Iran’s health minister, advised citizens not use the break as an opportunity to travel.

He also asked Iranians to reduce the use of banknotes.