Iran’s deputy health minister has tested positive for coronavirus a day after sweating heavily at a press conference, as the Islamic Republic recorded the largest number of deaths linked to the disease outside China.

Speaking in a video posted on local media on Tuesday, Iraj Harirchi insisted that the Iranian government was able to contain the spread of the virus. At least 15 people in Iran have now died from coronavirus, the government has said, up from 12 on Monday, authorities said.

“I wanted to tell you that I am also infected with the coronavirus. I had a fever yesterday and the initial test was positive last night after which I immediately isolated myself,” Mr Harirchi said. “Be confident that?.?.?.?we will defeat the virus in the coming weeks?.?.?.?We have medical treatment capabilities [to cure it].”