Iran restores operation at container port, summons negligent officials over tragic fire

Operation in Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port in the southern city of Bandar Abbas is back to normal after firefighters put off the deadly fire which broke out on Saturday, customs authorities said.

In the meantime, investigation has started to probe the cause of the incident which has claimed 70 lives, local media reported quoting official figures.

Iran declared Monday a national day of mourning to mark the casualties of the fire which triggered a blast on Iran’s largest container hub.

Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni who was appointed by President Masoud Pezeshkian to lead the special committee to investigate cause of the fire said on state TV that "culprits have been identified and summoned".

He said the fire was caused by "shortcomings, including noncompliance with safety precautions and negligence".

An initial statement by a local port authority said faulty depot of hazardous chemical materials in the conventional storage zone of the port led to the massive fire, ILNA news agency reported.

Leaders from neighboring countries including President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbajian as well as world organizations have offered messages of support expressing   condolences to their Iranian counterparts.

Russia dispatched two firefighting aircraft and Saudi Arabia said it was ready to send humanitarian and technical support to the inflicted zone.

In a cabinet meeting chaired by First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref on Sunday while President Pezeshkian was visiting the inflicted zone, Aref said the details of the incident would be announced as soon as they are confirmed.

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