The death toll from a devastating explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas has risen to 46, with more than 1,000 people injured, officials announced on Monday.

Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, Director General of the Crisis Management Organization in Hormozgan Province, confirmed that 1,072 injured individuals have been discharged from hospitals, while 138 remain under medical care.

Despite the scale of the catastrophe, Hassanzadeh emphasized that port operations have resumed and are proceeding normally. “All services at Shahid Rajaee Port are being provided as of 10 a.m. local time Sunday to prevent disruption to freight and cargo operations,” he stated.

Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni, appointed by President Masoud Pezeshkian to oversee the site and relief efforts, said that the cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. A specialized committee has been formed to collect evidence and determine responsibility.

Momeni assured the Iranian public that those responsible would be held accountable and praised the swift action of rescue and firefighting teams in containing the blaze and preventing further damage.

Emergency Department spokesman Mojtaba Khaledi reported that 50 rescue and medical teams were deployed to the scene, along with 31 helicopter missions to aid firefighting efforts.

First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, speaking during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, reiterated the government's commitment to a full and transparent investigation. He promised that the Iranian people would be informed of the findings as soon as they are available.

In response to the tragedy, the Iranian government declared Monday a national day of mourning, honoring the victims of the explosion.

The massive blast, which rocked the critical Shahid Rajaee Port on Sunday, caused widespread damage and prompted an extensive emergency response. Authorities are continuing rescue and recovery operations as the nation grieves the loss of dozens of lives. (ILKHA)