Dubai: The number of fatalities from a massive explosion at one of Iran's key ports has tragically increased to 46, as officials continue to investigate the incident's cause.

According to Iranian state television, local authorities confirmed the death toll from the explosion at Shahid Rajaei port, located near Bandar Abbas.

Even two days after the explosion occurred on Saturday, flames were still visible at the site, coinciding with Iran's third round of discussions with the United States regarding its advancing nuclear ambitions. The blast resulted in injuries to over 1,000 individuals.

As of now, officials have not provided a clear explanation for the explosion.

A private security firm, Ambrey, reported that the port had received a shipment of missile fuel chemicals in March. This shipment included ammonium perchlorate from China, which was first mentioned in a January report by the Financial Times. The chemical is typically used to create solid propellant for rockets and was intended to replenish Iran's missile supplies, which had been diminished due to its military actions against Israel during the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

The Iranian military has denied any receipt of this chemical shipment.

Footage circulating on social media captured reddish smoke billowing from the fire just prior to the explosion, indicating the possible involvement of a chemical compound, reminiscent of the 2020 Beirut port explosion.

On Sunday, Iran's semiofficial ILNA news agency quoted Saeed Jafari, the CEO of a marine services company operating at the port, who stated that there were misleading claims regarding the cargo that exploded, labeling it as 'very dangerous.'

"The incident occurred following a false statement about the hazardous materials and their delivery without proper documentation and labeling," Jafari explained.

Additionally, another report from the semiofficial ISNA news agency suggested that the cargo responsible for the explosion had not been declared to customs authorities.

Only high-ranking officials in Iran, such as those from the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, would have the authority to bypass standard procedures at the port.