Gulf crisis: Iran sends five planeloads of food to Qatar amid regional blockade

TEHRAN - The Islamic Republic of Iran has sent five planeloads of food to State of Qatar, which is suffering shortages amid a regional blockade.

A number of Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt, last week cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of funding terrorism. The Gulf nation denies the accusations.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/world/saudi-arabia-uae-bahrain-and-egypt-cut-diplomatic-ties-with-qatar-over-backing-terrorism/

On Sunday, Iran Air posted a tweet of a shipment being loaded at Shiraz airport.

An #IranAir #B747 "Freighter" being loaded at #Shiraz Airport with #food shipments for #Qatar. #B747F #cargo pic.twitter.com/xYOdF423SO

— Iran Air (@IranAir_IRI) June 10, 2017

According to Iran Air spokesman Shahrokh Noushabadi, so far five planes carrying perishable food items such as fruit and vegetables have been sent to Qatar, each carrying around 90 tonnes of cargo.

Another plane will be sent today (Sunday), he added.

Noushabadi further said deliveries would continue "as long as there is demand".

Qataris have been ordered to leave some of the blockading nations, but Qatar has said it will not follow suit.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/world/qatar-regrets-fellow-gulf-nations-decision-to-cut-ties/

The land border with Saudi Arabia, through which 40% of Qatar's food comes, has been closed.

Separately, the Tasnim news agency reported that three ships with 350 tonnes of food were also set to leave for Qatar.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/world/erdogan-expresses-support-for-qatar-amid-arab-crisis/

Iran has also opened its airspace to Qatari flights, following airspace closures by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.