At least 28 people have died, and hundreds more have been injured following a major explosion at Iran’s largest port. This tragic event occurred on Saturday at the Shahid Rajaei container hub, located near Bandar Abbas. The blast coincided with ongoing talks between Iran and the United States in Oman regarding Tehran’s nuclear program.
Witnesses reported that the explosion was so intense it shattered windows several miles away. The force of the blast caused significant damage to shipping containers and the goods inside them, leading to a large fire that required aerial firefighting efforts. By Sunday afternoon, the head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society stated that the fire was about 90% under control.
In total, around 752 people received medical treatment for their injuries. As of Sunday, 190 remained hospitalized. While officials have resumed port operations in the unaffected areas of Shahid Rajaei, the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear. There are concerns that chemicals stored at the port may have contributed to the severity of the blast.
Iran’s defense ministry has dismissed reports suggesting the explosion was linked to the mishandling of solid fuel used in missiles. A spokesperson claimed these reports were part of "enemy psychological operations" and insisted that no military cargo was present in the affected area.
Adding to the complexity, a British security company indicated that the port had received sodium perchlorate in March, a chemical used to propel ballistic missiles. This has raised questions about the potential mishandling of such materials leading to the disaster. Reports previously suggested that Iran had received enough of this chemical to fuel up to 260 mid-range missiles, allegedly to replenish stock after missile attacks on Israel in 2024.
In response to the disaster, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent emergency aircraft to assist in firefighting efforts at the port. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion and assess the damage.