Most of the proceeds raised so far came from a telethon that ran across five television channels, Iranian community leaders said. An estimated 350,000 Iranians live in California.

"More than 800,000 dollars pledged. Most of these pledges are credit cards or cheques. We have had a telethon on five stations for 15 hours," said Namazi Khah, founder of the Iranian Muslim Association of North America.

The deadly quake killed at least 30,000 people when it struck Bam before dawn on December 26, flattening most buildings in the city including the ancient mud-built citadel, a world heritage site.

Khah voiced optimism that the quake, and assistance sent by the United States to the region, could spark a new diplomatic dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

"I hope the two countries start the dialogue and create a good relationship," he said.

Much of the relief money is likely to be sent family-to-family through private channels, according to Bijan Khalili of the Ketab Iranian Information Center.

"People are constantly bringing in stuff (such as) clothing, tents, blankets to the group headquarters," commented Asad Yavari of the Muslim Association of North America.

"The Americans are accepted with open arms," Yavari said.

He said the Iranian people would be grateful for the American aid effort.

The United States has sent medical aid, shelter material and food supplies to Bam.

TERRA.WIRE