TEHERAN (REUTERS) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a speech on state television for the Persian New Year, praised Iranians for their "dazzling" sacrifices in fighting the coronavirus outbreak in the worst-hit country in the Middle East.
Iran's utmost authority said it has been a tumultuous year for Iranians who have endured US sanctions, floods, and the coronavirus that has killed nearly 1,300 people in Iran and infected more than 18,000 people.
"These acts of sacrifice were made by medical groups, physicians, nurses, assistants, managers and the staff working in hospitals," said Mr Khamenei, who looked healthy despite rumours that he had been infected with the coronavirus.
Officials close to Mr Khamenei, when contacted by Reuters on Wednesday, denied the rumours.
Nowruz, or "new day" in Persian, is an ancient celebration and the most important date in the calendar, when families gather and exchange gifts.
But the coronavirus has overshadowed the celebrations.
"Last year was a tumultuous year for the Iranian nation," Mr Khamenei said. "It was a year that began with the floods and that ended with the coronavirus...but we will overcome all hardships with unity."
He named the new year: "The year of boosting production".
In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said Iranians praised doctors and nurses for their courage in fighting the disease.
Millions of Iranians are now confined within their own walls for the New Year celebrations.
But police said many defied warnings by health officials to stay home and avoid crowds by heading to the Caspian coast, a favourite destination during the Nowruz holidays.
'A UNIQUE SPEECH'
Unlike in his usual fiery speeches, the anti-US hardliner Mr Khamenei refrained from attacking Iran's longtime foe in his remarks.
"Iran benefited from America's sanctions. It made us self-sufficient in all areas," said Mr Khamenei said.
Friction between Teheran and Washington has increased since 2018 when US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Teheran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy.
US sanctions, combined with the coronavirus outbreak's economic impact, have bitten deeply into Iran's economy, causing a price spiral and a slump in the value of the rial currency.
Iranian officials have blamed the sanctions for hampering Teheran's efforts to contain the speedy spread of the virus across the country.
But growing discontent over economic hardship, combined with the coronavirus outbreak's impact, could force Iran to choose diplomacy over confrontation with the United States.
"Yes. It was a very unique speech by the leader. His language was different, his tone was different and it was not hostile towards America," said an official in Teheran, who asked not to be named.
When asked whether Teheran and Washington might try to ease the tension, he said : "Americans know what they should do. First sanctions or at least some sanctions must be lifted. Then we will see."
