Japan dispatched an emergency rescue team to Iran on Saturday in response to Tehran's request for help after a powerful earthquake struck the southeastern city of Bam on Friday, government officials said.
The Japanese government will also send relief goods worth 25 million yen to Iran, while the Foreign Ministry has decided to provide 83 million yen in additional emergency grants to purchase and deliver food.
The rescue team -- comprising a Foreign Ministry official, two officers from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, a doctor and a nurse -- departed for Iran in the morning.
Arrangements will be made to send the relief goods, which include tents, power generators, blankets and water tanks, within a few days.
Japan Platform, an umbrella organization of humanitarian assistance groups, also sent a team of six people and three rescue dogs from the Japan Rescue Association and two people from the nongovernmental organization Peace Winds Japan earlier in the day. They will help rescue quake victims and research the extent of the damage caused by the quake.
Earlier Saturday, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi sent a message of condolence to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and pledged Japan's assistance in the aftermath of the quake.
Government officials said Koizumi sent his message through the Iranian Embassy in Tokyo.
Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi sent a similar message to Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi, Foreign Ministry officials said.