US sanctions have 'catastrophic impact' amid Covid, say progressive Democrats

Measures against nations such as Iran and Venezuela are hindering the global battle against coronavirus, say lawmakers

Progressive Democrats in Congress are calling for an overhaul of US sanctions on other nations which they argue have catastrophic humanitarian consequences" on the global effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter to Joe Biden to be delivered on Thursday, 23 Democratic representatives and two senators, welcome a review of sanctions and their impact on the pandemic that the president launched soon after taking office.