Iran says ready to offer relief to Sandy victims in New York

Iranian Red Crescent aid workers are ready to fly to New York to provide relief to victims affected by superstorm Sandy if the U.S. government allows, Fars News Agency reported Wednesday.

Mahmud Mozaffar, head of Red Crescent Society’s Relief and Rescue Organization, said his group is prepared to help the victims in the United States “given its ample experience.”

The group can also send medical equipment to the hurricane-hit cities if U.S. officials accept, Mozaffer added. In August, the United Sates offered to help victims after Iran was hit by two earthquakes.

But State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Washington didn’t receive any official offer of assistance from Iran, the New York Times reported Wednesday.

“We have seen reports in the media, but at this time have received no official offer of assistance from the Iranian government or any Iranian entity,” he added.

On Wednesday the U.S. government, meanwhile, turned down an offer from Pakistani Islamic leader Hafiz Mohammed Saeed to send medical and rescue assistance to U.S. victims. Saeed said it is his moral obligation to reach out to the needy.

Sandy has claimed at least 100 victims in North American cities as it ravaged through the U.S. East coast.