Massive explosions reported in Mashhad, Karaj, Iran

A series of explosions have been reported across Iran, with the latest incident occurring at a motorcycle factory in Mashhad, resulting in a massive fire and significant damage to a large warehouse; the cause remains unknown, and no casualties have been confirmed. Social media footage showed thick black smoke over Mashhad, while separate blasts were also reported at a power plant in Karaj and a fire in Qom, though official statements from Iranian authorities are lacking. In April, a deadly explosion at the Port of Bandar Abbas killed at least 70 and injured over 1,000, which The Washington Post attributed to a chemical fire in a shipping container, based on expert analysis. While some reports mention an earthquake in Karaj around the time of the recent explosion, it is unclear if the events are related. Iranian officials have previously downplayed sabotage, citing electrical malfunctions as causes in earlier incidents. The pattern of recent fires and explosions has raised concerns, but details remain scarce amid ongoing investigations.