A massive explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on Saturday, injuring at least 406 people, according to state media reports. The blast, which occurred at one of Iran’s most advanced container ports, caused significant damage, shattering windows within a several-kilometer radius and sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.
Local authorities confirmed the explosion originated in a container storage area at the port, with preliminary reports suggesting hazardous materials or chemicals stored in the containers may have triggered the incident. “The cause of this incident was the explosion of several containers stored in the Shahid Rajaee Port wharf area,” a crisis management official told Iran’s state television. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately, and the injured were evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The Shahid Rajaee port, located 23 kilometers west of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province, handles approximately 80 million tons of goods annually, making it a critical hub for Iran’s container shipments. The blast was powerful enough to be felt in nearby cities, with reports indicating it was heard on Qeshm Island, 26 kilometers south of Bandar Abbas. Social media footage showed a mushroom cloud forming over the port, and some unverified videos suggested a fire preceded the explosion.
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Iran’s National Emergency Organization, through spokesman Mojtaba Khaledi, reported that first responders were working to extinguish fires and manage the aftermath. Port operations have been temporarily suspended as investigations into the cause continue. The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company issued a statement denying any connection to oil refineries or fuel storage tanks, clarifying that operations at related facilities in Bandar Abbas remain unaffected.
The explosion comes at a sensitive time, as Iran engages in a third round of nuclear talks with the United States in Oman. While some online speculation has linked the incident to geopolitical tensions, no official reports have confirmed such connections. Authorities are focused on determining the precise cause of the blast, with early indications pointing to an accident involving improperly stored materials.
This incident follows a history of disruptions at the Shahid Rajaee port, including a 2020 cyberattack that caused significant logistical backups. At the time, reports suggested external actors may have been involved, though no such claims have been substantiated in this case.
As investigations proceed, the priority remains on supporting the injured and restoring normalcy to the port. Updates will follow as more details emerge.