News Summary

• The massive explosion that rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port in the southern coastal town of Bandar Abbas has exposed the "deep vulnerabilities" of the Islamic Republic
• The blast, believed to have originated from hazardous chemicals, killed at least 70 people and injured over 1,200, according to local sources
• Iranian authorities this week have faced mounting accusations of negligence and an attempt to "cover up" death toll figures