Explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port Kills 5, Injures Over 700 Amid Sensitive Nuclear Talks with U.S.

A significant explosion and subsequent fire occurred at the Shahid Rajaei port in southern Iran on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to over 700 others. The incident is reportedly connected to a shipment of a chemical component used in missile propellant. Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a provincial disaster management official, provided the updated casualty figures during an interview broadcast on state television.

The explosion took place as Iran and the United States were engaged in the third round of negotiations in Oman concerning Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. The timing of the incident has drawn attention, although no official statements from Iran have directly attributed the explosion to an attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading the negotiations, acknowledged the situation in a statement, mentioning the involvement of security services.

The Shahid Rajaei port, a critical hub for Iran’s maritime trade, was the site of the explosion, which sent plumes of smoke into the sky. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, with authorities focusing on the shipment of the chemical ingredient linked to missile propellant. The port’s operations have been significantly disrupted due to the incident, impacting trade and logistics in the region.

As the investigation continues, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, especially given the concurrent nuclear discussions between Iran and the United States. The explosion has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing talks, with both sides seeking to address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional security.