Iran’s Interior Minister, Iskandar Momeni, confirmed that the explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, the country’s largest commercial port, which claimed 46 lives last Saturday, was caused by "negligence" and a failure to adhere to safety protocols.

The explosion occurred at the port near the strategic Strait of Hormuz , through which one-fifth of the world’s oil production flows. Firefighting crews continue to battle the blaze at the site.

According to Iran’s IRNA news agency, Mehrdad Hassan Zadeh, head of crisis management in Hormozgan Province, reported that 46 fatalities have been confirmed so far, and 138 of the injured remain hospitalized. Officials stated that the number of injured exceeded 1,000 , though most have been discharged after receiving treatment.

Speaking to state television on Monday, Momeni revealed, "Only 120 of the injured are still in hospitals." He added, "The identities of some culprits have been identified, and they have been detained. There was negligence, particularly in non-compliance with safety procedures and civil defense neglect." Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Iranian television displayed images of firefighters tirelessly working to extinguish the fire. It reported that damage assessments would be carried out once the fire was fully under control, as thick smoke clouds were seen billowing above stacked containers at the site.

While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, the port’s customs office suggested it was likely caused by a fire in a warehouse storing hazardous and chemical materials.