A massive explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaee, on Saturday has claimed at least 25 lives and left hundreds more injured, according to local media reports. The blast, which occurred near the critical Strait of Hormuz, is considered one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent months. The explosion, which followed a fire at the port’s hazardous materials storage depot, has also caused extensive damage to the area, with live footage showing thick plumes of black smoke still rising from the site on Sunday.
Shahid Rajaee Port, located in southern Iran, serves as a key hub for global oil shipments, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a vital shipping lane through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes. The blast appears to have been triggered by a fire at a facility storing sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient in missile fuel, according to anonymous sources with links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iranian state TV confirmed that several containers had exploded during the incident, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
The shockwave from the explosion was so powerful that it was felt as far as 50 kilometers from the port, severely damaging buildings and causing widespread panic. Rescue operations have been underway, with dozens of survivors seen walking among debris. In the aftermath, emergency services reported that over 800 people were injured, and hospitals have been overwhelmed with casualties. Authorities have declared a three-day period of mourning in Hormozgan province as families and communities grapple with the loss of life.
The explosion occurred just as Iranian and US diplomats were engaged in high-level talks in Oman concerning Tehran’s nuclear program, raising suspicions of foul play amid ongoing regional tensions. While Iranian authorities are treating the blast as an accident, the timing and location have drawn attention, particularly in light of previous cyberattacks on the port attributed to Israel.
As the fires continue to burn, local schools and businesses in Bandar Abbas have been closed, and residents have been advised to stay indoors to avoid exposure to hazardous smoke and air pollution. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is still ongoing, with Iranian officials pledging to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
