"There is no political angle here," spokesman Lou Fintor said.

"There is a humanitarian catastrophe in Iran, and our only mission is to alleviate the human suffering associated with Friday's earthquake."

"Our efforts will not alter the tone or intensity of our dialogue with the Iranians on other matters of grave concern," he added.

The United States on Friday offered aid to Iran, where an earthquake left at least 20,000 dead.

Later that evening, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage called Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Mohammad Zarif, to convey US condolences and give a list of available aid, Fintor said.

The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Iran, and normally communicates through the Swiss, who house the US Interests Section in at its embassy Tehran.

The US offer includes medications, plastic sheeting, blankets, food, civilian search and rescue teams, and technical experts.

The United States also offered to provide military airlift to deliver supplies to the affacted region.

Some aid has already arrived in Iran, Fintor said.

One American died in the earthquake while another suffered serious injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening.

The injured American has been hospitalized in Tehran and is receiving treatment, Fintor said.

TERRA.WIRE