Large Explosion at Southern Iranian Port on Day of Third Nuclear Talks with US

At Least 50 Injured...
Container Explosion, Cause Unknown

On April 26 (local time), a large explosion occurred at the port in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas, injuring at least 50 people, according to reports from international media outlets such as the Associated Press. This was the same day that Iran began its third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman.

Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister. Photo by Yonhap News

According to foreign media, a local official told Iranian state television that the explosion was caused by several containers detonating at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas.

On social networking services, photos were posted showing shattered windows in buildings several kilometers away from the port and a mushroom cloud forming after the explosion.

Local media initially reported that 47 people were injured, but later updated the number to 50, indicating that the number of casualties is rising.

Given the number of port workers, there are concerns that the human toll could be significant.