**Iran’s Port Tragedy: Negligence Behind Explosive Fire as Casualties Rise to 70**

Interior Minister reveals negligence led to disaster; investigations underway.

In the wake of a catastrophic explosion at Iran's largest container port, the nation grapples with a rising death toll of at least 70 and over a thousand injuries. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni attributed the disaster at Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas to "negligence and safety shortcomings," indicating a failure in compliance with necessary protocols.

In the days after Saturday's explosion, firefighters worked tirelessly to contain ongoing fires at the port, and Momeni stated that authorities are investigating individuals deemed responsible for the incident. The explosions reportedly originated from a blaze involving imported cargo, with customs officials clarifying that the affected shipment had not been properly registered before the tragedy.

Further compounding the situation, the Hormozgan province’s crisis management director, Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, shared that firefighting operations were nearing completion, yet recovery efforts could extend for a week or more. Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani indicated that the explosion had resulted in significant damage across approximately 1,500 hectares, nearly two-thirds of the port's area.

Contradicting foreign reports, Iran’s defense ministry has denied claims suggesting the explosion was linked to a shipment of missile fuel chemicals. Brig Gen Reza Talai-Nik criticized international media for "spreading fake news," even as private maritime consultancy Ambrey Intelligence reported the port receiving sodium perchlorate, a solid propellant, prior to the blast.

Additional sources, including unnamed Iranian Revolutionary Guard associates, have alleged that improper management of the sodium perchlorate led to the sudden explosion, raising questions about regulatory enforcement within the country. The governmental response aligns with mounting public mourning, which quickly transformed into anger and blame over the tragic events at the pivotal port.