Iran's Rouhani offers aid to Lebanon after Beirut blast
Rouhani expressed hope the cause of the deadly blast would be uncovered
TEHRAN (AFP) - Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday offered condolences and medical support to Lebanon after a huge blast at Beirut port devastated entire neighbourhoods of the city.
Tehran "is ready to offer medical and medicinal aid and help treat the injured and other assistance," Rouhani wrote in a message to his Lebanese counterpart, according to the government website.
Rouhani also expressed hope the cause of the deadly blast would be uncovered and calm restored to Beirut as soon as possible.
The Lebanese Red Cross said on Wednesday that the blast killed over 100 people and injured more than 4,000, according to the latest toll.
The explosion appeared to have been sparked by a fire igniting 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate left unsecured in a warehouse.
The head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society said in a statement that it would send nine tonnes of food aid as well as medical supplies to Lebanon.
Karim Hemmati added that Iran would also provide Lebanon with a field hospital as well as specialised medical teams and equipment.
Lebanon’s current government, which was unveiled in January, is made up of the pro-Iranian Shiite movement Hezbollah and its allies.
