At least 14 people died and over 700 were injured in a major explosion at Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest port. The blast, reportedly caused by the detonation of chemicals improperly stored in containers, occurred amid ongoing nuclear discussions between Iran and the US.
Although there was no link established between the talks and the explosion, concerns about safety at the port had been previously raised. The explosion generated a massive cloud of smoke, and the sound was heard up to 26 kilometers away.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshian ordered an investigation and sent the interior minister to the site to manage the crisis and extinguish fires. Port activities were suspended as relief efforts focused on controlling the aftermath.
