A devastating explosion rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, causing multiple casualties. Initial reports confirm hundreds injured and several deaths, raising serious concerns over port safety and chemical storage.
Major Blast Strikes Bandar Abbas Port
On the southern shores of Iran’s Hormozgan province, a fierce explosion shook Shahid Rajaee Port during midday hours. The blast severely damaged one building and shattered windows in surrounding areas. Visuals from the site reveal the intensity of the explosion, which left part of the port in ruins.
Early reports indicated that the blast resulted from the explosion of several containers, initially injuring 47 people. However, the number of injured rapidly increased to 516, with 4 fatalities confirmed. Iranian Red Crescent’s Rescue and Relief Organization chief, Babak Mahmoudi, stated that firefighting efforts were ongoing after the explosion.
Explosion Origin: Chemical Storage Area Suspected
While the exact cause remains under investigation, a source speaking to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency suggested the explosion occurred in a chemical storage zone within the port. Hormozgan Governor Mohammad Ashouri noted the possibility of highly flammable materials being involved.
Authorities highlighted that despite regular security inspections, the Shahid Rajaee Port handles various goods, which complicates full hazard prevention. They promised detailed findings after comprehensive investigations.
Sabotage Speculation Dismissed
Although safety warnings had been issued earlier, officials like Hormozgan’s Crisis Management Director Mehrdad Hasanzadeh confirmed no solid evidence of sabotage. Iran’s Crisis Management Spokesperson Hossein Zaferi also stressed that chemicals stored in containers triggered the explosion, not external sabotage.
Ibrahim Rezayi, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, dismissed terrorism or sabotage claims as mere media speculation. He emphasized that no credible link to deliberate attacks had been found so far.
Operations at Strategic Port Halted
Following the explosion, Iran’s Customs Administration suspended all export shipments at Shahid Rajaee Port until further notice. Given that Bandar Abbas Port handles a significant share of Iran’s trade, the disruption is expected to affect the country’s logistics network.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, under President Masoud Pezeshkian’s directive, visited the site for an immediate damage assessment. Meanwhile, Pezeshkian has ordered a thorough special investigation into the incident.
Israel Denies Involvement Amid Regional Tensions
Israeli media reported that Israeli officials firmly denied any involvement in the Bandar Abbas explosion. According to Israel’s Maariv newspaper, the explosion coincided with the third round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman. Israeli military sources also denied any connection to the blast.
Strategic Significance of Bandar Abbas Port
Bandar Abbas serves as one of Iran’s most crucial commercial and logistic hubs. Any disruption at this strategic port has direct consequences on Iran’s foreign trade and shipping lanes, further underlining the gravity of the recent incident.
