[Field News] Iran Port Explosion Death Toll Rises... Condolences Turn to Anger at Authorities' Hush-Hush Approach

The repercussions of the massive explosion that occurred on the 26th (local time) at Iran's largest port, Shahid Rajaee, continue to unfold. Amidst growing speculation that flammable chemicals stored at the port may be the cause of the accident, reports have emerged that ships carrying chemicals used in the production of solid-fuel missiles had docked at this port in recent months. The Iranian government is attempting to quell the confusion by stating that "there were no military cargoes," but public sentiment is deteriorating due to the increasing number of casualties. On the 27th, the UK's BBC reported that public anger towards the government is mounting in Iran, surpassing mere condolences, as a result of this incident. As of this day, the death toll from the accident is at least 40, with over 1,000 injured. As the tally of casualties, which began at 47 immediately after the accident, continues to rise, dissatisfaction is growing among the Iranian people due to the government's disjointed response and doubts surrounding the cause of the accident. Iranian public opinion is further worsening as analyses repeatedly suggest that the disaster may have originated from flammable chemicals stored within the port. The BBC reported that many are blaming the authorities' incompetence, quoting questions such as, "How could so many flammable materials be left unattended at the port without proper management?" CCTV footage from the accident site, reported by local media, shows a fire starting in one container and rapidly spreading to others, with people working at the port fleeing in haste. The video lasts for two minutes before cutting out after a massive explosion. In connection with this, Israeli media outlet Ynet highlighted the fact that two ships carrying sodium perchlorate had docked at this port in recent months. Sodium perchlorate is a key chemical used in the production of ammonium perchlorate, the main component of solid-fuel missile propellants. However, Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik stated in an interview with state media that "there were no military fuels or cargoes imported or exported for military use in the (accident) area." Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, also emphasized on X (formerly Twitter) that initial reports indicate the explosion was "not related to Iran's defense sector." Opinions also point to the explosion of general chemicals, rather than military ones, as the cause. Andrea Sella, a professor of chemistry at University College London (UCL) in the UK, said in an interview with US broadcaster CNN that the incident "bore the hallmarks of an ammonium nitrate explosion." He pointed out that "ammonium nitrate is a common general-purpose chemical widely used in fertilizers and industrial explosives, but if not stored properly, the risk of explosion in the event of a fire can be significantly increased." A large explosion also occurred in Lebanon several years ago due to ammonium nitrate. In August 2020, approximately 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, left unattended for six years in a warehouse at the Port of Beirut, detonated, killing 214 people. The Guardian reported, "While there has been no official explanation for the blast, reports are increasing that the cause may have been the storage of chemicals in high-temperature containers." The Iranian government is focusing on the recovery efforts. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the victims of the accident and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause. The Iranian Interior Ministry has launched a related investigation. Russia, which maintains friendly relations with Iran, has also offered support. The Kremlin reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin "expressed his sincere condolences and support to the families of the victims of the accident and wished a speedy recovery to all the injured." (Omitted) The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, and Turkey also expressed their condolences to Iran. Source: Yonhap News

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1)

God, The repercussions of the massive explosion at Iran's largest port, Shahid Rajaee, are increasingly severe, and the number of casualties continues to rise, a truly heartbreaking situation.

Lord, please touch the hearts of the bereaved families who are sending off their loved ones and spending time in tears. Visit the hearts of their families who are anxiously watching the injured, and now may they encounter Jesus Christ, who can completely save them! Also, Lord, please watch over and protect the land of Iran so that no further great damage or sorrow occurs!

Lord, who hears the endless cries of suffering of the Iranian people, may the Iranian people now become a nation that waits for the Lord and listens only to You, instead of seeking other vain things. God the Father, who created the Iranian people for Your purpose, raise them up as an army that praises only You, and now grant a greater revival in Iran, so that through them, Your name alone may be exalted among all nations! Furthermore, may Iran rise up like a blazing fire as the vanguard of the gospel movement amidst the great revival in the end times, so that they may fulfill their mission of going out to all nations with the gospel!