Iranian authorities have attributed negligence and safety violations as key factors behind the massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, which has left at least 70 dead and over 1,000 injured, BBC reported.

Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni accused violation with safety regulations, while officials confirmed that those suspected are being questioned.

The blast seriously destroyed approximately 1,500 hectares of the port, with firefighting activities nearing completion and cleanup likely to take up to two weeks. Customs officials revealed that the package that ignited had not been legally disclosed. The operator of the affected area, Sina Marine and Port Services, admitted to repeated errors in hazardous goods declarations, as stated by BBC.

Iran's defense ministry refuted international allegations that missile fuel was responsible for the accident, but other sources, like marine consultant Ambrey Intelligence, said that the shipment of sodium perchlorate was likely mishandled.