Writers Group Accuses Iran of Downplaying Port Explosion

Iran's Writers Association has criticized the Islamic Republic for referring to the deadly explosions in Bandar Abbas as an "incident," saying the term downplays the disaster that claimed more than 70 lives.

"The authorities, who either cause disasters or worsen them, are now trying to hide behind the word 'incident' to dodge their duty to provide transparent information and address public concerns," the group said.

The explosion, which occurred Saturday at Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, killed over 70 people, including truck drivers, port workers, a newlywed couple, and national kayaking medalist Arman Nozarzadeh.

The association noted that public mourning has been accompanied by "dozens of unanswered questions" and criticized the "scattered images and contradictory official media reports," adding that "what has burned and been lost is the lives and existence of the people."

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued only a brief statement about the explosion, and only after a one-day delay.

Four days after the explosion, authorities were still working to identify the victims. Some families learned the fate of their loved ones only after DNA testing.