EXPLAINER: Iran, despite sanctions, has routes to vaccines Iran faces crushing U.S. sanctions, but there are still ways for Tehran to obtain coronavirus vaccines as the country suffers the Mideast’s worst outbreak of the pandemicDUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Although Iran faces crushing U.S. sanctions, there are still ways for Tehran to obtain coronavirus vaccines as the country suffers the Mideast's worst outbreak of the pandemic. Iran has signed up for COVAX, an international program designed to distribute coronavirus vaccines to participating countries around the world. For its part, Iran has alleged U.S. sanctions have affected its ability to purchase medicine and vaccines. Rejecting a COVAX vaccine offer could see Iran receive doses later as well. Since the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and the 444-day hostage crisis in Tehran, Iran has been subject to a series of changing economic sanctions.

Source: ABC News December 19, 2020 10:43 UTC