"Iran's Port Explosion: Blame of Negligence and Rising Casualties"

"Following the devastating explosion at Iran's largest container port, authorities attribute the incident to negligence and safety lapses. As investigations continue, the death toll has risen, and conflicting reports about the cause arise."

Iran's interior minister has disclosed that negligence played a critical role in the catastrophic explosion and fire that occurred at Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, leading to at least 70 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. Eskandar Momeni indicated that the disaster stemmed from "shortcomings, including noncompliance with safety precautions and negligence," with some individuals already summoned for questioning.

The Customs Administration reported that the imported cargo which ignited was not officially registered or declared, raising concerns about oversight and regulatory adherence. Investigations suggest that the fire originated from a shipment that had been improperly handled, leading to the massive blast.

Crisis management officials, including the director for Hormozgan province, Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, announced that firefighting efforts were nearing completion, although the overall cleanup might extend over several days. Hormozgan Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani warned that returning the port's operations to normalcy could take up to two weeks, as approximately 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres)—almost two-thirds of the port—suffered severe damage.

Although local customs authorities connected the explosion to hazardous cargo mishandling, Iran's defense ministry has dismissed claims regarding the role of missile fuel chemicals. Spokesman Brig Gen Reza Talai-Nik refuted foreign media assertions, insisting that no military-related goods were involved in the incident. However, experts from Ambrey Intelligence contradicted this statement, noting a recent shipment of sodium perchlorate—a solid fuel associated with ballistic missiles—linked to improper handling processes.

The tragic events sparked an outpouring of mourning and frustration across Iran, as citizens seek accountability in the aftermath of this disaster.