A massive explosion rocked one of Iran’s key ports on Saturday morning, claiming the lives of at least five people and injuring over 700 others. The blast occurred at Shahid Rajaee Port, the largest commercial port in Iran, located near Bandar Abbas, a southern city.
Witnesses reported that the explosion was likely caused by a fire that spread to containers holding flammable materials, possibly chemicals. The impact was so powerful that windows and roofs of nearby buildings were blown out, and the shockwave was felt as far as 50 kilometers away. Video footage showed a large fire before the explosion, with people fleeing the scene and many lying injured among the debris.
By Saturday afternoon, fires continued to burn at the port, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Emergency crews were dispatched to extinguish the flames and provide medical assistance to the injured. Some workers were still trapped under collapsed structures, prompting rescue efforts from local officials.
The Shahid Rajaee Port plays a critical role in Iran’s economy, serving as a major hub for commercial shipping. It is strategically located on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil. The port is approximately 20 kilometers west of Bandar Abbas, which is also home to the Iranian Navy’s main base.
According to state media, the explosion originated from unsealed containers in a storage area for hazardous materials. Customs officials indicated that improper handling of a shipment of solid fuel, likely intended for ballistic missiles, may have led to the incident. An intelligence firm noted that several vessels were in the vicinity of the explosion, with some docked at the port at the time.
Iran’s national oil production company stated that the explosion did not affect the country’s oil refineries or fuel infrastructure. In response to the tragedy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences to the victims and ordered an investigation, sending the interior minister to oversee the response.
This incident occurred amid ongoing talks between Iranian and U.S. officials in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program, highlighting the tense backdrop against which this disaster unfolded.