The Americans are the first official team to enter the Islamic republic since Iranian revolutionary students held US diplomats hostage in Tehran more than 20 years ago and caused the severing of diplomatic ties.

Several American rescuers expressed frustration at the length of time was taking them to get on site, but acknowledged that they were here as guests of the Iranian government which was making arrangements for their stay.

"Unfortunately we didn't get here as early as we would have liked to," said Jeff Donaldson, 48, a retired firefighter from Fairfax County, near Washington, D.C. "We hope to get on with the work first thing tomorrow."

A US nurse, who declined to be named, suggested the delay in getting the operation into gear was in part due to Iranian security concerns, as the host government was anxious to avoid any possible trouble.

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami thanked the United States and other nations which have rushed to provide emergency aid for Iran although ruled out the prospect of dialogue with Washington without a radical shift in US policy.

He said the death toll from Friday's quake was about 40,000, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters of modern times, while UN officials put the number of people left homeless at around 70,000.

The US doctors and rescue workers landed in Kerman, some 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of the historic citadel town of Bam, on Monday. But late Tuesday they were having dinner at a remote hotel on the outskirts of town, still uncertain as to where they would be camping for the night.

Hundreds of rescue workers from other countries have set up camp, mainly in the town center, on the grounds of Revolutionary Guard barracks, from where the international rescue and humanitarian work is being coordinated.

The American women all wore scarves, hats or small hospital-like bonnets to keep to the law of the country which requires that women cover their hair.

"We don't really pay attention to politics because we're a medical team," said Barbara McGee, a Boston nurse, adding: "We came by invitation of the Iranian government."

Despite the years of hostility between what Iran calls the "Great Satan" and what the United States says is part of an "axis of evil," the US aid workers said they were welcomed here.

"Iranian people were really happy to see us and were waving at the bus" said Thea James. "I do think about the relationship between the two countries, but not primarily. I'm aware of it."

Deputy Health Minister Mohammad Akbari thanked "humanitarian people" in the United States for sending aid but said the gesture did not change the Islamic regime's loathing for US President George W. Bush.

"You are talking about politics, but these are doctors. They are not Mr. Bush or Mr. Rumsfeld coming to kill us," he said.

The Americans flew in on the first US military flights to touch down here since a military raid to rescue US hostages went disastrouly wrong in the Iranian desert in April 1980.

Peter Morris, 49, who works for the office of foreign disaster relief, said he expected the US team would stay between 10 to 15 days.

TERRA.WIRE