Tasnim – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on Italy to stand up to the violation of international regulations by the US, which seeks to block Tehran’s request for an emergency International Monetary Fund loan to fight the coronavirus.

In a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte on Monday, Rouhani lashed out at the US for keeping the illegal sanctions against Iran in place under the current difficult situation that the world is struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.

Deploring Washington’s opposition to an IMF loan for Iran, he said, “We expect the European countries, Italy in particular, to take the necessary measures against such (American) violation of regulations in such difficult conditions.”

The countries cannot overcome this difficult crisis alone without each other's help, the Iranian president said, adding, "We can harness the virus with each other's help and sharing our experiences."

"In these difficult circumstances, the US pressure on the Iranian people has been more inhumane than ever, and its continuation is a brutal crime against a great nation and against all human principles and international regulations,” Rouhani added, according to his official website.

On the 2015 nuclear deal and the efforts to save the agreement, he said, “We are ready to fulfill our full commitment to the JCPOA if the other side does so and refrains from threatening."

"Italy has always played an important role in our foreign policy, and I hope it invites the European Union to fully comply with JCPOA," he added.

"Unfortunately, the financial mechanism designed by Europe (INSTEX) has not yet been able to take a significant and effective step and play a role," the president stated.

"At this point, it is clear that the fate of the international community is completely interdependent, and I hope Europe, and especially Italy, can take action that benefits all nations in these sensitive circumstances,” Rouhani said.

Referring to the importance of ensuring security and stability in the region, Rouhani said, "According to Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) initiative, stability and security in the region will be achieved only through cooperation among the countries of this region, and the interference of enemies, especially the United States, threatens regional peace."

The Italian premier, for his part, expressed sympathy with the government and people of Iran over the coronavirus deaths, saying, "Your problems are well understood by us because we are both involved in a common problem and we welcome the exchange of common experiences between the two countries against coronavirus."

“We are ready to cooperate with Iran on the JCPOA and strengthen the EU's financial mechanism and the serious participation of countries in this field," said Conte.

"We are also trying to work together with European countries and member states of G7 and G20 take effective action," he said.

The Italian prime minister finally highlighted the constructive role of Iran in establishing peace and stability in the region and countering terrorism, saying, "Every opportunity should be used to resolve issues and ensure security in the region.”