Completing the shift in his message from 10 days ago, Iran’s Supreme Leader has said that Coronavirus is not a Western plot, but is an epidemic requiring Iranians to obey directives from officials.

Ayatollah Khamenei issued the statement on Tuesday as he planted two saplings for National Arbor Day and Natural Resources Week.

He announced that the medical community is “engaged in jihad on the path of God” and directed the public to follow guidance from the Health Ministry.

These orders should not at all be violated as God has obliged us to take responsibility for our own health and for that of others. Therefore, anything that contributes to the society’s health and helps prevent the spread of the disease is a virtue.

Whatever facilitates its spread is a sin.

On February 23, Khamenei blamed Western reports of Coronavirus in Iran for a historically-low turnout in the Parliamentary elections two days earlier: “This negative propaganda began a few months ago and grew closer to the elections. In the last two days, citing coronavirus, their media did not miss the slightest opportunity to discourage people from voting.”

See also Iran Daily, Feb 24: Regime Faces Historic Low Turnout for Parliamentary Elections

At the time, the Health Ministry had officially confirmed eight deaths and 43 cases of Coronavirus.

On Tuesday, the Ministry reported 77 deaths and 2,336 cases. Many observers, including Iranian legislators, believe the toll is far higher.

Among those who have tested positive are 23 MPs, Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar, Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi, and the brother of the Supreme Leader’s daughter-in-law. Iran’s former Ambassador to the Vatican died last week, and a member of the Expediency Council, which advises the Supreme Leader, passed away on Monday.

See also Iran Daily, March 3: Coronavirus — Member of Supreme Leader’s Advisory Body Dies

Last Thursday, the Supreme Leader began changing his line, admitting that Coronavirus was a real challenge while hoping that it would soon be overcome by God’s grace”.

Following Khamenei’s orders, the Government still held out against quarantines. Friday Prayers in Tehran and other cities were cancelled, but mosques and shrines remained open and events such as football matches were not cancelled.

In the past 72 hours, authorities have emphasized displays of disinfection of public places. The Iranian military has stepped up its presence, declaring a base to fight the virus and putting personnel and vehicles — including water-cannon trucks — on the streets.

See also Iran Daily, March 2: Revolutionary Guards Base to Fight Coronavirus with Water Cannons