The Obama administration was quick to express condolences for the hundreds of lives lost in earthquakes last weekend in northwestern Iran, but initially refused blanket approval for humanitarian assistance that could help save the lives of thousands of survivors.
White House Rejects Blanket OK For Aid to Iranian Quake Victims
![An earthquake victim stands near damaged houses in the earthquake-stricken town of Azerbaijan in Iran, August 13, 2012. Rescue workers in Iran on Tuesday recovered more bodies three days after two powerful earthquakes struck the northwest of the country, killing more than 300 people, but officials played down reports that casualty numbers may still sharply rise. Picture taken August 13, 2012. REUTERS/Farshid Tighehsaz/ISNA (IRAN - Tags: DISASTER) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTI](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2012/q3/RTR36U5I.jpg/RTR36U5I.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=zbZXm4ML)
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