Khamenei orders probe into Iran port blast

Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, ordered a thorough investigation into the causes of a major blast at a key southern port that killed at least 40 people and injured more than 1,000.

His instructions came after President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the blast scene in Shahid Rajaee Port near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where a fire still blazed on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the explosion.

“Security and judicial officials are obliged to thoroughly investigate, uncover any negligence or intent, and follow up under regulations,” Khamenei said in a message carried by state television.

With choking smoke and air pollution spreading throughout the area, state television said all schools and offices in Bandar Abbas, the nearby capital of Hormozgan province, were ordered closed to allow authorities to focus on the emergency effort.

The health ministry urged residents to avoid going outside “until further notice” and to use protective masks.
According to the Washington Post, Israel launched a cyberattack targeting the Shahid Rajaee Port in 2020.