DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) -- Syrian state media say Iran has sent 30,000 tons of food supplies to help President Bashar Assad's government deal with shortages amid civil war.
State TV said Tuesday that the massive shipment has arrived at a port on the Mediterranean Sea.

The aid is part of Iran's broader support for Assad as he prepares to run for a third presidential term while his troops fight rebels trying to oust him.

Iran has been Assad's major backer, lending Damascus military support through its proxy Hezbollah group and advising the government on strategy to fight the opposition. Tehran has also been pumping funds into Syria to save the country's battered economy from collapsing.

Last May, Iran opened a credit line of $3.6 billion for Syria, enabling Assad's government to buy oil products.

By The Associated Press

 

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