Iran is accused of underreporting death toll in Bandar Abbas explosion
The devastating explosion that rocked the Shahid Rajaee port in Iran’s southern coastal town of Bandar Abbas has raised suspicions of a cover-up by the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to reports from Tehran, the death toll has risen to 70, with 1,200 people reported injured. However, sources indicate that these numbers are likely significantly underreported due to concerns of internal unrest.
Eyewitnesses and the impact of the blast radius suggest that the actual death toll could be closer to 250, with an estimated 1,500 injured. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has expressed skepticism about the official numbers, with President-elect Maryam Rajavi stating that the Iranian regime is more focused on covering up the shipment of solid fuel for ballistic missiles rather than aiding the victims.
The explosion, believed to have originated from a cargo container carrying sodium perchlorate, a propellant for missiles, caused extensive damage to shipping containers, offices, and left a massive crater at the site. The blast was so powerful that anyone within 200 feet is believed to have been killed. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with security forces restricting access to the area.
Survivors of the explosion have accused the regime of concealing the true extent of the disaster by sending Revolutionary Guard forces and intelligence agents to the site. They also mentioned that chemical and military materials should not have been present at the port, and workers were unaware of their presence.
Iran’s interior minister attributed the fire to negligence and noncompliance with safety precautions. While some individuals responsible have been summoned, the regime has not acknowledged the presence of missile propellant at the civilian shipping center.
In response to the explosion, President Masoud Pezeshkian called for stricter regulations on cargo storage and distribution processes. The Iranian government has cordoned off the site, evacuated surrounding areas, and placed security agents at local hospitals to control information about the incident.
Ali Safavi of the NCRI condemned the IRGC for their involvement in smuggling materials for missile production and criticized the regime for prioritizing suppression of information over aiding the victims. Despite efforts to suppress news and images of the explosion, the truth about the catastrophic event is slowly emerging.
The tragic explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port has once again highlighted the Iranian regime’s prioritization of its own interests over the safety and well-being of its citizens. As investigations continue, the true extent of the devastation and loss caused by this explosion may only further expose the regime’s negligence and cover-up efforts.
