Iran's foreign ministry today implicitly welcomed an offer by the United States to provide help to the Islamic state following Saturday's deadly earthquake, state radio reported.
"Islamic Iran has not asked for any help from any country, but normally in situations like this, countries offer help as sign of sympathy and we will welcome it," the radio quoted ministry spokesman Mr Hamid-Reza Asefi as saying.
Mr Asefi had been questioned by reporters about offers from the international community, including the US, to help Iran, state radio reported.
Following Saturday's earthquake, which left at least 230 people dead, 1,000 injured and 12,000 others homeless, the international community, including Washington, offered to provide aid to the victims.
US President Mr George W. Bush said he was saddened by the news of the earthquake in Iran, but refrained from addressing his condolences to the Islamic regime, which he has accused of being part of an "axis of evil" with Iraq and North Korea.
"I extend my condolences and those of the American people to the families of the many victims in the cities and villages affected by this tragic event.
"Human suffering knows no political boundaries: we stand ready to assist the people of Iran as needed and as desired," Mr Bush said.
Meanwhile, Iran's national airline, Iran Air, announced it was "willing to assure the transport of foreign aid by donating countries to the quake-affected areas in Iran."
"Iranians living abroad, as well as non-governmental organisations and international bodies can contact the representatives of Iran Air to organise the transport," Iran Air said.
China, France, Germany, Kuwait, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Azerbaijan have also sent their condolences to Iran and most offered aid.
AFP