Iran Covertly Gave Aid to Libyan Rebels

Iran has been providing "discreet" humanitarian aid to the formerly Benghazi-based Libyan rebels, according to a report.

Iran gave the Libyan rebels humanitarian aid before they managed to conquer the capital Tripoli from dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Iranian newspaper Jam-e-Jam newspaper quoted Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, cited by Al Jazeera.

"We were in touch with many of the rebel groups in Libya before the fall of Gaddafi, and discreetly dispatched three or four food and medical consignments to Benghazi. The head of the National Transitional Council (NTC), Mustafa Abdel Jalil, sent a letter of thanks to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for having been on their side and helping," Iran's top diplomat is quoted as saying.

Iran's leadership has been critical of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, while simultaneously condemning NATO for spearheading an air strikes campaign against the regime.

After rebels took over the Libyan capital in the Battle for Tripoli last week, Iran "congratulated the Muslim people of Libya" after rebels overran the capital Tripoli. However, Iran has not recognized formally the rebel government, the Transitional National Council.

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