Blaming coronavirus 'propaganda' for low turnout, calling the virus a possible attack and refusing US help
As Covid-19 spread in Iran in early 2020, Khamenei blamed record-low election turnout on enemy 'propaganda' about the virus, suggested the outbreak might be a 'biological attack', and refused US aid by claiming without evidence that the virus was 'specifically built for Iran'. A BBC Persian investigation later found deaths were nearly triple the official figure.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Blaming 42 percent turnout on 'negative propaganda' about the virus - Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that after turnout in the parliamentary election was announced at about 42 percent, the lowest since 1979, Khamenei blamed it on 'negative propaganda' about the coronavirus, saying enemies used the disease to deter people from voting. Iran announces low poll turnout, blames coronavirus 'propaganda'
- Khamenei raises a possible 'biological attack' and asks the Guards to contain the virus - Radio Farda reported that Khamenei asked the armed forces, including the Guards, to help contain the outbreak and, echoing IRGC (@sepah___fa) commander Hossein Salami, said: 'Since there is speculation that this incident might be a biological attack, this measure could also be some form of biological defense drill.' Khamenei Calls Coronavirus 'Possible Biological Attack', Asks Guards To Contain It
- Refusing US help, claiming the virus was 'specifically built for Iran' - Al Jazeera and VOA, citing AP, reported that Khamenei rejected US offers of help, alleging without evidence that the virus 'is specifically built for Iran using the genetic data of Iranians' and that 'possibly your medicine is a way to spread the virus more'. Iran leader refuses US help; cites coronavirus conspiracy theory
- Leak shows deaths nearly triple the official figure - A BBC Persian investigation found that the government's own records appeared to show almost 42,000 people died with Covid-19 symptoms up to 20 July 2020, against 14,405 reported by the health ministry. Coronavirus: Iran cover-up of deaths revealed by data leak