Iran builds up pressure on Biden over nuclear deal

Iran builds up pressure on Biden over nuclear deal

Vials of Iranian domestic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine candidate are seen during human testing in Tehran, Iran. File/Reuters



Tehran has launched a first stage of trials of its own COVID vaccine in a bid to become self-sufficient in the battle against the virus which has infected 1.25 million and killed 55,000, making Iran the most contagious country in the region. The opening of the initial trial of a home-made vaccine coincided with US approval of the transfer of 200 million euros to purchase vaccines from abroad and a donation by anonmyous US citizens of 150,000 doses of the BioNtech vaccine, produced in Germany in collaboration with the US Pfizer firm. These welcome developments took place as the daily fatality rate in Iran fell to a three-month low due to strict lockdown and curfew.

The ongoing trial involves 56 volunteers who are set to receive two