Azerbaijani MFA offers condolences to Iran following coal mine explosion

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended its condolences to Iran following the tragic explosion at the Tabas coal mine in South Khorasan province, which resulted in numerous casualties.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry expressed deep sympathy for the Iranian people and government, as well as the families affected by the disaster, Caliber.Az reports.

"We wish the injured a swift recovery and hope for a rapid resolution of the aftermath of this tragedy," the statement read.

Reports indicate that the explosion has claimed the lives of 51 individuals, with 20 others injured.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian conveyed his condolences and assured ongoing rescue efforts and support for the victims' families before his departure for the United Nations General Assembly in New York. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The Iranian mining industry has experienced similar tragedies in the past, including a 2017 explosion that resulted in 42 fatalities and two separate incidents in 2013 that killed 11 workers. Lax safety standards and insufficient emergency services have been identified as contributing factors.

Despite Iran's rich mineral resources, the country produces only 1.8 million tonnes of coal annually, relying on imports to meet its total demand of 3.5 million tonnes, primarily for steel manufacturing.