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Tehran Doubts Cause of Devastating Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port

Investigation Underway as President Pezeshkian Monitors Rescue Operations

A catastrophic explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee Port on Saturday, claiming 25 lives, leaving six individuals missing, and injuring 1,139 others. Amid the tragedy, Tehran has expressed doubts about the cause of the blast, prompting a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident. President Masoud Pezeshkian oversees the rescue and recovery operations, issuing urgent directives to mobilize all available resources to assist the injured and manage the crisis at one of Iran's most critical maritime hubs, as the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.

The explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Hormozgan Province sent shockwaves through the region, damaging infrastructure and igniting fires that have proven challenging to contain. President Pezeshkian has directly communicated with Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni, who coordinates response efforts at the port. The president instructed the minister to prioritize controlling the situation, ensuring the area's security, and accelerating the reconstruction and reopening of the port, which plays a vital role in Iran's trade and economy.

Fatemeh Mohajerani, the administration's spokesperson, provided an update on the ongoing efforts, stating that the situation is largely under control. She noted that firefighters have contained approximately 80% of the fire, and efforts are continuing to extinguish the remaining 20%. Mohajerani also confirmed that 1,139 individuals have sought medical treatment at local healthcare centers, with some critically injured patients airlifted to hospitals in Shiraz and Larestan for specialized care.

Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi emphasized the government's swift response to the crisis, highlighting the immediate procurement of blood, medical supplies, and treatment facilities to support the injured. "The situation remains fully managed thanks to the rapid actions taken post-incident," Zafarghandi assured, adding that various ministries are prepared to transfer patients to other provinces if needed. The coordinated response reflects the government's commitment to addressing the medical needs of those affected by the disaster.

Pir-Hossein Kolivand, Head of the Red Crescent Society, provided further details on the condition of the injured, stating that 300 individuals are currently receiving treatment in hospitals in Bandar Abbas city. He expressed optimism about their recovery, noting that most are expected to be discharged soon. Kolivand also confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing at the port, with some patients being transferred to Tehran for advanced medical care. While the fire extinguishing operation continues, he reiterated that the overall situation is under control.

As rescue and recovery efforts persist, the cause of the explosion remains unclear, fueling speculation and concern in Tehran. Government officials have vowed to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine whether the blast resulted from an accident, negligence, or potential foul play. President Pezeshkian's direct involvement underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency of restoring normalcy to Shahid Rajaee Port. The nation watches closely as authorities work to uncover the truth behind this tragic event and provide support to the victims and their families.

Photos: IRNA

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