TEHRAN, Iran

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has called for an investigation into the explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in the southern city of Bandar Abbas.

In a statement on Sunday, he described the incident as "heartbreaking" and said it has caused "deep sorrow and concern," urging security and judicial authorities to conduct a full probe in order to "uncover any negligence or deliberate wrongdoing, and pursue it in accordance with the law."

"All officials must consider themselves responsible for preventing such tragic and damaging incidents," the statement read.

The death toll from the massive explosion that rocked the southern Iranian coastal city on Saturday has risen to 40, with at least 900 others injured, according to authorities.

Mohammad Ashouri, the governor of Hormozgan province, in a statement published by state media on Sunday, said at least 40 people have succumbed to their injuries and 900 others are wounded.

He noted that efforts are underway to identify some of the deceased who suffered severe burns due to the explosion, adding that 700 out of the 900 injured people have been discharged from hospitals after initial medical treatment.

Earlier on Sunday, local media quoted doctors at Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences as saying that more than 1,000 people were injured in Saturday's explosion, one of the biggest the country has seen.

On Sunday, firefighters continued efforts to contain the raging fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas, while rescue operations also continued for the injured.

Eskander Momeni, minister of interior affairs, told media in Bandar Abbas on Saturday night that the port and customs operational systems had not suffered any serious damage, and an order was issued to resume loading, cargo clearance, and customs activities at the port.

President Masoud Pezeshkian also visited Bandar Abbas on Sunday and met with injured people who were admitted to various hospitals. He also conducted an aerial survey of the port, accompanied by senior officials.

According to local media, the fire broke out at the port around 12 pm local time (0830GMT) on Saturday, specifically in the container dock area. Initial reports suggested the presence of flammable materials near the site of the explosion.

The strategically important port, located in the southern Hormozgan province, lies about 15 kilometers southwest of the port of Bandar Abbas on the northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz.

Messages of solidarity and offers of assistance have been pouring in from many countries for the Iranian government in the wake of the port explosion.