A company linked to the Bandar Abbas port explosion likely misdeclared hazardous cargo as ordinary goods to cut costs, former Iranian lawmaker Ali Motahari told state media on Tuesday.
“The main cause of the incident was a company that registered imported goods as non-hazardous,” he said.
“That is the first violation, and customs should have verified this,” Motahari added.
Motahari said dangerous goods require strict oversight during transport and storage. “There may have been negligence in this area as well.”
“We must examine how major ports worldwide handle this and learn from international practices,” he said.
The former lawmaker suggested that the importer may have misdeclared cargo for financial reasons.
“The full facts aren’t clear yet, but this requires a thorough investigation, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
The Saturday explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port killed more than 70 people.
According to provincial authorities, 1,072 injured people have been discharged from medical facilities after receiving treatment, while 138 remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
The cause of the explosion remains undetermined, according to government officials.
Despite earlier assurances that the resulting fire would be extinguished by Sunday night, containment efforts continue to face significant challenges.
Environmental concerns have prompted authorities to close all educational institutions and government offices in Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island, as pollution levels remain high.
Public health officials have expressed growing concern about potential long-term environmental and health consequences from the disaster.
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