China's ambassador to Iran, Chang Hua, on Monday took to Twitter after an Iranian Health Ministry spokesman called China's official figures on coronavirus deaths a "joke."

Earlier on Sunday, the spokesman Kianush Jahanpur criticized China's official data on COVID-19.

"It seems statistics from China [were] a bitter joke, because many in the world thought this is just like influenza, with fewer deaths," Jahanpur said during a video conference in remarks translated by Radio Farda. "This [impression] were based on reports from China and now it seems China made a bitter joke with the rest of the world."

Jahanpur added, "If in China they say an epidemic was controlled in two months, one should really think about it."

The Chinese ambassador to Tehran replied on Twitter asking him to "show respect to the truths and great efforts of the people of China."

"The Ministry of Health of China has a press conference every day. I suggest that you read their news carefully in order to draw conclusions," Chang said.

Jahanpur on Monday offered praise and tweeted: "The support offered by China to the Iranian people in these trying times is unforgettable."

Iran is the worst coronavirus-hit country in the Middle East region. As of Monday, the country reported 60,500 confirmed cases and 3,739 deaths. 

China is one of the countries that have donated medical supplies and money to Iran.

Ten days after Iran reported its first confirmed case on February 19, China sent a medical team as well as medical supplies including N95 face masks, surgical masks and protective suits to Iran. Since then, China has mobilized Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Chinese companies to donate supplies and money to the country.