Iran media reported on Wednesday that authorities are currently conducting an investigation into possible acts of sabotage related to Rajaei Port explosion, where casualties continue to mount.
At least 46 people were killed and injured when an explosion hit Iran’s largest commercial port of Bandar Abbas on Monday evening, prompting local news agencies to quote anonymous officials as suggesting there may have been criminal involvement. Initial reports had suggested an industrial accident as the likely culprit but now local news outlets cite suspicion over any potential wrongdoing by unnamed sources who indicate any possibility for illicit behavior has not been ruled out.
According to Fars News Agency, preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion that originated from a warehouse housing hazardous materials may have been intentionally set off. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing port employees in order to ascertain whether this incident constituted any form of sabotage.
“Sabotage remains a strong possibility due to the scale and suddenness of this explosion, as well as the sensitive nature of goods stored nearby,” according to an anonymous security official quoted by state television.
Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has dispatched a special team to investigate this incident with great seriousness, yet officials cautioned that no definitive conclusions had yet been drawn – they asked that speculations be avoided until all inquiries have concluded.
Rajaei Port is an integral component of Iran’s trade infrastructure, handling nearly half its imports and exports. Damage to warehouses, loading equipment, or storage facilities at Rajaei is expected to disrupt operations for weeks if not months.
President Ebrahim Raisi promised during a visit to the site of an incident that authorities would quickly discover the truth and those responsible would face severe repercussions if an act of sabotage were performed, adding that all major ports and industrial facilities across Iran will undergo an in-depth security protocol review.
Meanwhile, this tragedy has inspired widespread mourning across Iran. Memorial services are being held in Hormozgan Province and across Iran while many citizens have voiced anger over any security lapses which might have allowed such an incident to take place.
Regional tensions have only compounded these worries, as Iran has accused external adversaries of targeting critical infrastructure through cyberattacks and covert operations.
As investigations progress, Iranian officials have pledged full transparency. Citizens await findings to ascertain whether the explosion was an accidental tragedy or deliberate act of economic sabotage against one of Iran’s critical economic lifelines.