Iran port blast kills 23 women in nearby office, citizen says

Internet speeds in Bandar Abbas dropped significantly on Saturday evening following the explosion at Rajaei port, according to reports received by Iran International.

Several users said in their messages that internet speeds in Bandar Abbas severely declined as reports about the explosion at Rajaei port emerged, making it difficult to upload or download videos.

The office of Iran’s prosecutor general earlier warned it would take action against social media users publishing "false information" about the explosion.

Several countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Japan, and Russia have expressed condolences after the explosions at Rajaei port in Bandar Abbas.

Saudi Arabia said it was ready to provide any assistance requested by Iran, while Russia’s embassy in Tehran said any request for help would be immediately relayed to Moscow.

Iraq’s foreign ministry also offered support, and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered officials to coordinate aid with Iran.

The issue of transferring highly enriched uranium out of Iran "has not been raised at all" in the Iran-US talks, and Washington has not made any demands regarding zero enrichment, the Revolutionary Guard-affiliated Tasnim News reported.

"Uranium enrichment is not among the points of contention in the negotiations," the report said, citing an informed source.

Iran’s health ministry has declared a public health emergency in Bandar Abbas following the explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port, warning of the spread of hazardous pollutants including "ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide."

In a directive to Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, the ministry ordered the formation of emergency response teams and urged residents to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and keep windows closed.

Vulnerable groups, including people with respiratory or heart conditions, children, pregnant women, and the elderly, were advised to wear N95 or P2 masks.

Authorities also recommended frequent face washing and the use of protective clothing.

The death toll from the explosions in Bandar Abbas has risen to eight, and around 750 people have been injured, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said on Saturday night.

He added that about 212 people received outpatient treatment, while the rest of the injured are being treated in medical centers in Hormozgan Province and neighboring provinces.