BRICS expresses condolences after explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaee Port

There was a massive explosion at the port in the city of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, at least 57 people were killed, as reported by Press TV, a partner of TV BRICS.

Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said on social media that the number of injured exceeded 1,139. 28 April has been declared a day of national mourning in Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a full investigation into the incident and sent Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to Bandar Abbas to coordinate on the ground.

The United Nations expressed condolences to the people and government of Iran. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stressed that the organisation stands in solidarity with the country at this difficult time.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep regret over the tragedy. The Russian leader emphasised his readiness to assist in dealing with the aftermath of the blast.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressed his sincere condolences to the Iranian government at a press conference. The Chinese side emphasised the country's support in this difficult moment.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla also sent a telegram of condolences, expressing support for the Iranian people and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

President of Belarus Aleksander Lukashenko said in his message to Masoud Pezeshkian that he took this tragic news with deep sorrow and conveyed words of support to the families of the victims.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also sent a telegram to the Iranian President, expressing condolences in connection with the loss of life and numerous victims. The head of state wished the consequences of the tragedy to be overcome as soon as possible.

The Foreign Ministries of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt expressed their solidarity with Iran, sending official offers of assistance. 

According to local authorities, the fire broke out around noon in the container dock area, probably due to flammable materials and high temperatures. The explosion caused significant damage to the infrastructure of the port, one of the largest on the coast of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali reported on social media that on the night of 27 April, Russia sent three firefighting aircraft to help fight the fire at the Shahid Rajaee Port. He stressed that Moscow's support reflects the depth of friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

The article is supplemented.

Photo: iStock