China Fireworks Factory Explosion Kills 26 in Liuyang

At least 26 people have been killed and 61 others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a fireworks manufacturing plant in China, marking one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in 2026.

The blast occurred at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang, Hunan Province, a major hub for global fireworks production often described as the “fireworks capital of the world.”

The explosion struck around 4:40 pm local time on Monday, triggering massive fires, structural collapses, and thick smoke that blanketed the surrounding area. Witnesses and state media reports said multiple buildings within the factory complex were flattened, while debris was scattered across a wide radius due to the force of the blast.

Emergency authorities deployed more than 1,500 personnel, including firefighters, medical teams, police officers, and specialised rescue units equipped with drones and robots, as search and recovery operations continued into the night.

Officials also evacuated nearby residential communities over fears of secondary explosions linked to highly combustible materials, including black powder commonly used in fireworks production.

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Chinese authorities said several workers remain missing, and warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue combing through the wreckage.

Preliminary assessments suggest the explosion may have been caused by the ignition of explosive materials at the site, but a full investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause and whether safety violations played a role.

President Xi Jinping has ordered an urgent investigation, calling for intensified safety oversight in hazardous industries and “all-out efforts” to support rescue operations and victims’ families.

Local officials have detained the factory manager, while fireworks production in parts of Liuyang has been temporarily suspended pending comprehensive safety inspections.

Liuyang plays a critical role in the global fireworks manufacturing industry, supplying both domestic and international markets. However, the sector has long faced concerns over safety compliance, with repeated incidents highlighting risks linked to the handling and storage of explosive chemicals.

The latest disaster has reignited debate over industrial safety standards in China, particularly in high-risk manufacturing zones, where rapid production demands and regulatory gaps have previously contributed to fatal accidents.

China Fireworks Factory Explosion Kills 26 in Liuyang

Trump Warns Iran of “Total Destruction” if US Vessels Are Attacked in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the country would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks American naval vessels, as tensions intensify around the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump stressed that the United States would respond with overwhelming military force to any aggression targeting its ships in the Gulf. The warning comes amid an ongoing US operation, described as “Project Freedom,” aimed at protecting global shipping routes and ensuring stability in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

The US leader noted that while there are signs of possible дипломатic engagement with Tehran behind the scenes, America’s military dominance remains unquestionable. He emphasized that US forces are fully equipped and prepared to defend their assets and allies in the region.

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In earlier statements on Truth Social, Trump claimed that US troops had already engaged Iranian-linked targets, including striking seven small boats and intercepting drones and missiles allegedly launched toward American positions. These actions, he said, are part of broader efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes.

The United States Navy has significantly increased its presence in the Gulf, reinforcing patrols and maritime security operations. The move follows reports that multiple countries have called on Washington to guarantee safe passage for commercial vessels affected by rising tensions.

Iran has denied targeting international shipping lanes, maintaining that its military activities are defensive. However, the sharp exchange of threats between both sides has heightened concerns among global observers.

Security analysts warn that the growing US-Iran tensions could spiral into a wider conflict if not carefully managed. With the global oil supply heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption could have serious economic consequences worldwide, including spikes in energy prices and shipping risks.

Trump Warns Iran of “Total Destruction” if US Vessels Are Attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Iran Threatens US Forces Over Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Escort Plan

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated sharply after Iran’s military warned that US forces would be attacked if they entered the Strait of Hormuz, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new maritime operation aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the strategic waterway.

The warning came after Trump unveiled what he called “Project Freedom”, a US-led maritime initiative designed to guide and protect ships passing through the Gulf amid growing regional instability and disruptions to global shipping routes. Trump said the operation would assist vessels from countries not involved in the conflict, describing it as a humanitarian effort to help stranded crews and restore safe navigation in one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors. “For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways,” Trump said, adding that operations would begin immediately.

US media reports indicate that the operation does not involve US warships directly entering the strait but positions naval assets nearby to provide escort, surveillance, and deterrence support for commercial vessels. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) is reportedly deploying guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, unmanned systems, and around 15,000 personnel as part of the wider maritime security mission, while maintaining a significant presence in surrounding waters. As of late April, maritime intelligence sources estimated that more than 900 commercial vessels were trapped or operating in the Gulf region due to heightened tensions and security risks.

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In response, Iran’s military leadership warned that any foreign military presence in the Strait of Hormuz would be treated as hostile. Senior Iranian commander Major General Ali Abdollahi said that all shipping through the strait must be coordinated with Iranian forces, stressing that Iran would defend what it considers its strategic maritime territory. “We warn that any foreign armed force—especially the aggressive US military—if they intend to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, will be targeted and attacked,” he said in a statement carried by Iranian state media.

Shortly after the warning, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that a US naval vessel in the area had been targeted and forced to retreat after a missile strike. However, the claim was not independently verified. The US military strongly denied the report. CENTCOM stated that no US Navy ships had been struck, adding that American forces were supporting maritime operations to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.

Tensions were further heightened after reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) of an attack on a commercial tanker near the UAE involving unidentified projectiles. Iranian state media later claimed drones had been launched toward vessels linked to regional energy operations. These incidents have fueled fears of a broader escalation in the Gulf, where both sides continue to accuse each other of destabilising maritime security.

The confrontation comes after weeks of stalled negotiations between Tehran and Washington following a ceasefire tied to earlier US-Israeli hostilities involving Iran. Diplomatic progress has remained limited, with both sides maintaining firm positions over control and access to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continues to insist that safe passage must be coordinated with its military, while the United States maintains that freedom of navigation for international shipping must be protected.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the country’s priority remains ending the conflict, but accused Washington of delaying progress by making excessive demands. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have reportedly presented a multi-point proposal aimed at de-escalation, though US authorities have not publicly confirmed receiving or accepting the plan.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, and any disruption significantly affects global energy markets. Oil prices have already risen by about 50% above pre-conflict levels, putting pressure on economies worldwide. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington’s strategy includes both military positioning and economic pressure, describing it as part of a broader effort to restrict Iran’s financial capacity.

As tensions persist, analysts warn that any direct military clash in the strait could have severe consequences for global oil supply, maritime trade, and regional stability, given the strategic importance of the waterway.

Iran Threatens US Forces Over Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Escort Plan