Uzbek President sends sympathies following tragic blast in Iran

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sent a letter of condolence to Masoud Pezeshkiy, following the tragic explosion at the Shahid-Rajai port in Bandar-Abbas, Iran, which resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and damage. The announcement was made by the Presidential Press Service.

In his message, Mirziyoyev expressed his sympathy to the victims' families, wishing them patience and strength, and hoped for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Bandar-Abbas is located strategically on the Hormuz Strait, where the Persian Gulf meets the Gulf of Oman. According to the Ports and Maritime Organization, it is Iran’s largest port, handling 85% of the country’s container shipments and a significant portion of its oil exports. In 2020, the port suffered a cyberattack, causing widespread disruptions to its waterways and access routes.

On April 25, a powerful explosion at the Shahid-Rajai port claimed the lives of 18 people and injured over 750 others. The blast was caused by the detonation of sodium perchlorate, a key component in rocket fuel. The incident occurred shortly after the third round of nuclear program negotiations between the U.S. and Iran began in Oman. Some sources speculate that the explosion may have been deliberately orchestrated, though no official confirmation has been provided.