DUBAI - A massive explosion occurred at Bandar Abbas, Iran's largest port, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries to over 500 people, according to Iranian state media.
The explosion, which took place in the Shahid Rajaee section of the port, coincided with Iran's nuclear talks with the United States in Oman. However, there is no immediate evidence linking the two events.
Hossein Zafari, a spokesperson for Iran's crisis management organization, suggested that the explosion was caused by improper storage of chemicals in containers at Shahid Rajaee.
Iranian government officials stated that while chemicals were likely the trigger for the blast, the exact cause is still under investigation.
The explosion led to significant damage, with windows shattered and debris scattered in the vicinity. Relief efforts were hampered as the port's activities were suspended following the incident.
This tragic event is the latest in a series of industrial accidents in Iran, with negligence often cited as a contributing factor.
While Iran has attributed some incidents to Israel, there is no confirmation of any involvement in this explosion. Oil facilities were reportedly unaffected by the blast.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and preventing future tragedies.
(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Writing by John Davison; Editing by Susan Fenton and Aidan Lewis)