Inferno Strikes Shahid Rajaei Port Amid Iran-U.S. Talks

An explosion at Shahid Rajaei port in southern Iran linked to missile propellant chemicals killed 18 and injured 750. Occurring as U.S.-Iran talks progressed, it's assumed a mishandling incident. Investigations launched while environmental and public health impacts are addressed locally.

A fierce explosion at the Shahid Rajaei port in southern Iran on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals and left around 750 injured. The blast, reportedly tied to a shipment of chemicals used in missile propellants, took place as the U.S. and Iran engaged in nuclear negotiations in Oman.

Onlookers captured footage of helicopters dousing the inferno with water as the flames raged through the night into Sunday morning. The incident raised suspicions, although no accusations of an attack were made. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged heightened security measures due to historical sabotage attempts.

Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the explosion, which likely resulted from mishandling chemical shipments. The Interior Ministry and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences, as officials worked to mitigate environmental hazards resulting from the blast.

(With inputs from agencies.)