In addition to blood, food and other supplies, the Bush administration is sending surgeons and disaster relief experts, The Washington Post (NYSE:WPO) reported in its Sunday editions.

Two teams of fire department search-and-rescue specialists were also headed to Iran with special equipment to find people still alive under the rubble, the Post said.

"The United States will continue to work with Iranian authorities and international relief organizations to help the people of Iran during this challenging time," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told the newspaper.

Iran's Interior Ministry has estimated about 20,000 people were killed in Friday's earthquake, but rescue officials said the number could be twice as high. More than 30,000 injuries have been reported.