International

Iran port blast injures 281 near Bandar Abbas

At least 281 people were injured in an explosion that rocked Iran's Shahid Rajai port near the southern city of Bandar Abbas, France 24 reports.

The casualty count is continuously changing, according to local authorities.

Shahid Rajai is Iran's largest commercial port, Reuters reports. The explosion occurred as Iran was beginning a third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman. The cause of the blast is not yet known.

State television said "negligence in handling flammable materials was a contributing factor."

The port is Iran's main trade hub, handling over 70% of the country's exports and imports. Located on the Strait of Hormuz, it is strategically vital.

Translation by ** Iurie Tataru**

X