Iran promises Hamas $250 million in aid

The promise was made to the head of the militant group's political bureau, Khaled Meshal, while he was visiting Tehran, the report said.

Also Tuesday, Hamas spokesman in the Gaza Strip, Sami Abu Zuhri welcomed the European Union decision to grant $143 million in urgent aid to the Palestinians before a government takes office led by Hamas.

Abu Zuhri said that U.S. and Israeli efforts to cut off international aid to the Palestinians had failed, the radio reported.

The United States also welcomed the EU decision. "It is a sign that we are all working together," said State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli.

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said that the funds were required to avoid "economic chaos" from paralyzing the Palestinian Authority.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talked to senior EU officials Sunday, the spokesman said. "We are all working together to prevent a collapse of the interim PA government and to support the Palestinian people," Ereli said.

The Bush administration, which is not providing assistance to the Palestinian Authority this year, is due to announce shortly whether it will contribute to Palestinian projects.

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