Iran: Death toll from port blast rises to 25

The death toll from a massive blast at Iran's largest commercial port has risen to 25, local media reported Sunday.

"The total number of people killed is at least 25," according to the Tasnim news agency, which cited Hormozgan province's head of the judiciary, Mojtaba Ghahremani.

Saturday, a massive explosion rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port near Bandar Abbas on Saturday, prompting President Masoud Pezeshkian to order an investigation into the cause of the disaster.

Iranian state TV reported from the scene that "the fire has been brought under control but is not yet fully extinguished," as thick black smoke continued to billow from the site.

The blast, which was heard from several kilometers away, occurred around noon local time (08:30 GMT) at Shahid Rajaee Port, through which about 85 percent of Iran’s cargo trade passes.

The port is located roughly 23 kilometers west of Bandar Abbas, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for about one-fifth of the world's oil supply.

According to the official IRNA news agency, Shahid Rajaee is Iran’s largest and most advanced container port, featuring 12 container terminals, 30 cranes, and extensive modern equipment. It plays a crucial role in the country’s maritime economy.

Initial reports from Iran’s Customs Authority suggested the explosion was likely caused by the improper storage of hazardous and chemical materials at the port.