The death toll from a massive explosion at Iranian port rose to 40 on Sunday, causing more than 800 people to be injured, according to state media. Some remain missing.
Saturday night's explosion at Iran's largest and most important transport port caused a major fire, causing destruction and destruction in the surrounding area. Iran's health ministry has declared a state emergency and instructed people to stay indoors, citing airborne poisoning contaminants.
The port, Shahid Rajae, is strategically located along the Strait of Hormuz, in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran.
Authorities have declared three days of public mourning in the state.
By Sunday morning most of the fires had been contained, with firefighters fighting to wipe out the remaining 20%, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.
Last year, Shahid Rajaee ports handled 85% of Iran's transportation container traffic and most of its oil traffic, according to port and maritime organizations.
Iranian officials told state media on Saturday that the explosion was likely caused by a container of chemicals, and authorities have not suggested that the explosion was caused by sabotage or intentional attacks.
Five years ago, Israel launched a cyberattack that hinders operations at Shahid Rajay Port as part of a long-term shadow war with Iran. Israeli officials did not respond to requests for comment on the explosion on Saturday.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country's home minister is heading towards the region to oversee investigation into the cause of the explosion.
Mr Pezeskian also directed the minister to accelerate the reconstruction and reopening of the port.
State media reported that the country's first vice president, Mohammad Reza Alev, has emphasized the need to strengthen safety protocols at all ports and industrial facilities in the region to prevent similar accidents in the future.
