WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- President Bush wants U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., to lead a humanitarian mission to Iran, administration officials said Friday.
The mission would include an as-yet unnamed member of the Bush family, CNN reported.
Last week, the White House announced that it was offering humanitarian assistance to Iran in the wake of the massive Dec. 26 earthquake that devastated the southeastern city of Bam and killed at least 30,000 people.
Bush met with senior officials last Sunday to discuss what more the United States can do to help Iran. An official said separately that Dole has told Secretary of State Colin Powell she wants to go to Iran, and officials decided it would be a good idea.
If Tehran were to allow the mission, it would be the first public visit from a U.S. official in more than 20 years.
