Iran cites 139 cases of COVID-19 (CNBC):
Iran's government confirmed 139 cases and 19 deaths from the fast-spreading virus as of Wednesday, the highest number of fatalities outside China, where the disease has taken more than 2,600 lives and sickened more than 80,000.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed concern on Tuesday that Tehran may be withholding "vital details" and urged all countries to "tell the truth about the coronavirus."
Iran's neighbors have shut their borders with the country and most Middle Eastern countries have now suspended flights to and from Iran.
Iran's Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi looked visibly feverish as he spoke on state television Monday, downplaying the spread of the new coronavirus in Iran. Without a face mask on, wiping sweat off his forehead and speaking to local press, he coughed into a tissue several times. One day later, he tested positive for the coronavirus.
Pompeo is concerned that
Iran is withholding? That's so rich.