Fires at major Iran port persist as explosion death toll increases to 65.
Firefighters remain engaged in extensive efforts to control ongoing fires at Iran’s largest commercial port, Bandar Abbas, two days after a significant explosion resulted in the loss of at least 65 lives and injuries to over 1,000 individuals, according to Iranian state media. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni reported that 120 of the wounded are still hospitalized as he toured the affected areas on Monday.
The explosion occurred on Saturday at Shahid Rajaei Port, strategically located near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of global oil supplies traverse. The incident has raised several questions regarding its cause and subsequent developments.
Images aired by Iran’s state television depicted the ongoing efforts of firefighters as they tackled the flames. Experts anticipate that a thorough assessment of the damage will take place once fire containment is successfully achieved. Meanwhile, black smoke continued to rise over flames at certain sections of the port, while helicopters supported the firefighting operations.
The specific origins of the explosion remain unclear; however, officials from the port’s customs office indicated that it is likely linked to a fire that erupted at a facility storing hazardous chemicals. Minister Momeni noted that the responsible parties for this incident have been identified and held accountable, attributing the explosion to negligence and violations of safety protocols.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has mandated a comprehensive investigation into the mishap. In response to intense scrutiny from external parties and experts, Iranian authorities firmly rejected claims suggesting that the explosion was caused by missile fuel shipments.
In light of the tragedy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a visit to various hospitals in Bandar Abbas on Sunday, monitoring the treatment of those affected. Local authorities have since declared all schools and government offices in the vicinity closed, advising residents to remain indoors until further notice and to wear protective masks when venturing outside.
Furthermore, a national day of mourning has been declared, with a three-day mourning period initiated in the Hormozgan province starting Sunday. Notably, this incident coincided with high-level discussions between Iranian and US delegations in Oman regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, with both parties reporting notable progress.
While Iranian officials appear to report the explosion as an accident, it occurred amidst ongoing tensions and strategic conflicts with regional adversaries, notably Israel, which has historically been linked to such incidents. It is essential to monitor how this tragedy will impact both national sentiment and broader geopolitical dynamics.
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