The rampant outbreak of the coronavirus in both countries hasn't stopped the United States from slapping tougher and tougher sanctions on Iran in a cold war that keeps simmering.

AILSA CHANG, HOST: Before the U.S. led the world in reported cases of coronavirus, the pandemic was already sweeping through Iran. More than 2,700 people have died there, and the health care system has been devastated. But that hasn't stopped the Trump administration from hitting the country with tougher sanctions. NPR's Jackie Northam reports.