Iran Port Fire Extinguished, Death Toll Rises to 70

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APR 26

Above: Black smoke continues to rise after a massive explosion that ripped through the Shahid Rajaee Port while fire extinguishing efforts continue on April 27, 2025, in Hormozgan, Iran. Image copyright: Meysam Mirzadeh/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images

story last updated APR 30

The Spin

Narrative A

The incident likely resulted from a failure to observe safety principles, negligence in handling flammable materials, and shortcomings with industrial safety standards at Iranian facilities as earlier warnings had highlighted potential safety risks at the port.

Tehran Times Mehr News Agency

Narrative B

The timing of the explosion coincides with sensitive U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, and the port's history of being targeted by cyberattacks raises questions about potential external involvement, especially given the facility's strategic importance in handling millions of tonnes of goods annually.

Reuters Haaretz.com