TEHRAN – In response to the tragic coal mine explosion that killed dozens of workers on Sunday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has ordered Iranian officials to the site to assess the situation and prevent future accidents.

A leak of methane gas led to explosions in two blocks of the Madanjoo mine in South Khorasan Province, according to local reports. 31 workers have so far lost their lives with 20 others injured. 

In response to the tragedy, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his condolences to the bereaved families in a heartfelt message. He emphasized the importance of supporting the affected workers and their families during this difficult time.

"In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, I offer my condolences to the families of those dear individuals and the people of that region for the bitter and sorrowful incident at the coal mine in Tabas," the Leader stated. "I urge the rescue teams sent by government officials to make every effort to save them and to take any necessary actions to mitigate the impact of this tragedy."

Rescue teams have been dispatched to the site, working tirelessly to locate any remaining individuals trapped in the mine and to provide medical assistance to those injured. The incident has reignited discussions about workplace safety regulations in Iran’s mining sector, with many calling for stricter enforcement and oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Also reacting to the news, Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref issued a heartfelt message expressing condolences for the tragic loss. In his statement, Aref acknowledged the profound sorrow felt by the nation and emphasized the need for national and provincial officials to take immediate action to address the situation.

"The bitter and sorrowful incident of the death and injury of many workers at the Madanjoo coal mine has plunged the Iranian nation into great grief and sorrow," Aref wrote, reflecting on the deep grief surrounding the incident. He highlighted the "exhausting hardships faced by this noble and hardworking class," extending his condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.

The Vice President called for diligent follow-ups to prevent similar tragedies in the future and urged legal action against any negligent parties responsible for this heartbreaking event. "It is essential for national and provincial officials to make every effort to alleviate this tragedy, reduce its effects, and address the situation of the injured," he stated.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared his deep sorrow on the X platform regarding the tragic explosion at the Tabas coal mine. He expressed that he was profoundly affected by the reports and conveyed his hope that, with divine support and the tireless efforts of rescue teams, there would soon be encouraging news about the recovery of those trapped inside.

In conclusion, Araghchi offered prayers to the Almighty for compassion and forgiveness for the victims of this heartbreaking incident, as well as strength and comfort for the grieving families and a swift recovery for the injured.

Regional states extend condolences 

The tragic incident also drew responses from some foreign officials. Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the citizens of Iran through a post on the X platform. "I extend my sincere sympathies to Pezeshkian and the citizens of the nation for the tragic loss of several mine workers," Sharif stated. He emphasized that Pakistan stands in solidarity with its Iranian brothers during this challenging period, adding, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy."

In a similar gesture, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing condolences to the Iranian government and its citizens. The statement, shared on their X social media account, read: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Iran, particularly to the families affected by the coal mine tragedy in the Khorasan region." The ministry also expressed hopes for a swift recovery for those injured and for effective management of the aftermath of this unfortunate event.

On the same social media platform, the Japanese envoy to Iran said he is “deeply saddened” by what has happened. “I would like to express my utmost respect for all those engaged in the ongoing search and rescue operations and sincerely pray for their success,” Tamaki Tsukada wrote. “I extend my deepest condolences to the Iranian government and nation as well as the families of the victims.”