Iran's supreme leader called the resurgence of the novel coronavirus in the country “truly tragic” and urged all citizens to help stem what has been the region's deadliest outbreak, AFP reported.

“Let everyone play their part in the best way to break the chain of transmission in the short term and save the country,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a video conference with lawmakers, according to his office.

According to his official site, Khamenei praised healthcare workers for “their sacrifices”.

But he also strongly criticised “some people who do not even do something as simple as wearing a mask”, saying he felt “ashamed” of such behaviour.