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A significant explosion occurred on Saturday at a key Iranian port, claiming the lives of eight individuals and injuring 750 workers, while also disrupting international trade.
The precise cause of the explosion remains unclear, but local officials, as reported by state media, indicated that it might have stemmed from an “incident” involving flammable fuel containers at Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, situated near the Strait of Hormuz.
Ongoing investigations are in place, and Iran’s customs authority has halted all import and export activities at the port.
Officials noted that the fire persisted for nearly 12 hours, largely due to strong winds spreading the flames.
In spite of the massive explosion, which was captured on state television showing a huge mushroom cloud, authorities asserted that the city’s oil infrastructure remained unharmed.
Bandar Abbas houses one of Iran’s largest refineries, which, as stated by the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, is functioning normally.
The Iranian economy heavily depends on oil for foreign currency to secure essential imports.
This explosion occurred just as a third round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US commenced in Muscat, aimed at resolving a nuclear impasse.
Speculation flourished on Iranian social media, with some users suggesting the explosion could have been a sabotage attempt to disrupt the talks. Many pointed fingers at domestic hardliners and foreign opponents, such as Israel, who are viewed as opposing any agreement.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, mentioned in an interview with state television that his discussions with US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday were “more serious” than in previous weeks, addressing more technical aspects.
However, he conceded that there are still differences that are likely to be discussed in the upcoming fourth round of talks expected next Saturday.
