TEHRAN -- Iran delivered its second shipment of humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, including 50 tonnes of food, hygiene supplies, and blankets, officials said.
The aid was handed over at Kabul airport in the presence of Alireza Beikdeli, chargé d’affaires at the Iranian embassy in Kabul, and Afghan officials, according to IRNA.
The shipment includes 10,000 blankets, 37 tonnes of food, and 8 tonnes of hygiene kits. Beikdeli thanked the Iranian Red Crescent for its coordination and solidarity, saying, “We stand with the people of Afghanistan.”
He added that Iran has sent aid in three phases to the earthquake victims, totaling 80, 50, and 67 tonnes of tents, blankets, hygiene supplies, and food.
Separately, the commander of Iran’s Air Force, Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi, confirmed that transport aircraft from the Iranian Air Force have been deployed to deliver humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
“Providing assistance to those in need during difficult times is our inherent and humanitarian duty,” Vahedi said. “The Air Force personnel are ready to respond swiftly wherever help is needed within Iran or neighboring countries.”
He added that these humanitarian missions not only strengthen the spirit of sacrifice and solidarity but also reflect the deep brotherly and neighborly ties between the peoples of Iran and Afghanistan. 
The earthquake, which struck the Hindu Kush mountain range measured 6.2 magnitude and has so far claimed over 2,200 lives.