An explosion at a major Iranian commercial port on Saturday killed at least 40 people and injured more than 1.000, Iranian media reported a new death toll.
"So far, 40 people have died from injuries caused by the explosion," Mohammad Ashuri, head of Hormozgan province (south), where the Shahid Rajaee port is located, near the coastal city of Bandar Abbas, told reporters.
The explosion likely occurred due to a fire in a warehouse of hazardous and chemical substances, according to a statement from the customs service.
The explosion occurred on Saturday as Iranian and American delegations were holding a third round of talks on Iran's nuclear program in Oman.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a "thorough investigation" into the cause of the explosion tonight.
"Security and judicial officials are obliged to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover negligence or intent" in causing the explosion, Khamenei said in a statement read on state television.
DON'T MISS IT
Bonus video:
