A massive explosion occurred in southern Iran, killing 14 people and injuring hundreds more, as officials of the Middle Eastern country and the United States hold negotiations in Oman.

The incident involved an explosion and fire at the Shahid Rajaei port, which has links to the shipment of a chemical ingredient in missile propellant, according to the Associated Press. Iranian officials said they have been “on high alert given past instances of attempted sabotage and assassination operations designed to provoke a legitimate response.”

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Officials in Iran reported that 14 people are dead and roughly 750 people have been injured, but have not specified details on what may have caused the explosion.

The incident comes as officials from both the U.S. and Iran hold a third round of talks in Oman about Iran’s nuclear program. The previous two meetings have been on the preceding Saturdays.

“The talks in Muscat were positive and productive. There is still much to do, but further progress was made on getting to a deal,” a senior U.S. official said in a statement following Saturday’s talks, according to Axios.

FETTERMAN CALLS FOR US STRIKES ON IRAN’S NUCLEAR SITES

The U.S. has been optimistic that talks with Iran will help address issues surrounding the Middle Eastern country’s nuclear program, a source of tension for more than a decade. Iran has also been seen as an aggravating force in the Middle East, something the U.S. would like to quell in the talks.

Some politicians domestically have not shared the same optimism about talking with Iran, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) calling on Trump to instead “strike and destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.”