At least 70 people have died and over 1,200 were injured following a massive explosion at Iran’s main container port, Bandar Abbas, specifically in the Shahid Rajaee terminal.
The blast, which occurred on 26 April, triggered a large fire that continued to flare due to winds and flammable materials in the containers. Toxic emissions were reported, but authorities now claim the blaze is under control. Rescue operations continue, with 22 people still missing and 22 bodies yet to be identified, Reuters reports.
Officials cited poor chemical storage and failures in civil defense and security protocols as likely causes. According to Reuters, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered an investigation into possible negligence or sabotage, though no direct link has been made to ongoing nuclear talks with the U.S. or a major cyberattack Iran said it repelled shortly after the explosion.
The defense ministry also denied rumors of missile fuel being involved.
