Iran: Explosion at shopping center in Shiraz injures 37 June 3

Event

An explosion occurred at a supermarket center in Shiraz at approximately 12:45 (local time) on Saturday, June 3, setting the building on fire. At least 37 people were injured in the blast. According to health officials, none of the victims suffered serious injuries. Initial reports indicate the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak. Fire department officials are still investigating the incident.

Context

Officials have not rule out terrorism as the cause of the fire. However, Mohammad Farokhzadeh, the head of the fire department in Shiraz, told reporters that the market lacked appropriate safety measures and negligence was most likely the cause.

On March 27, the Islamic State (IS) issued a video directly threatening Iran and Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader. In the 36-minute video published on social media, IS militants directly addressed threats to the supreme leader and executed many prisoners believed to be Shi’ite; one of them was wearing a badge in honor of the Imam Hussein, a symbolic Shi’ite figure. In the last few months, the Iranian government has reported a number of security incidents involving suspected Islamic State (IS) members in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Shiraz are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid the blast area.