Massive Explosion
At least four people lost their lives and more than 500 were injured on Saturday following a powerful explosion at a major port in southern Iran, according to state media reports.
The blast struck the Shahid Rajaee port, the country’s largest commercial hub, situated in Hormozgan province along Iran’s southern coastline. Babak Mahmoudi, head of the Red Crescent Society’s Relief and Rescue Organization, confirmed the death toll in an interview with state television, noting that emergency crews were still working at the site.
State media described the explosion as “massive,” with thick plumes of black smoke seen billowing from the port area. Footage aired on Iranian television showed firefighters battling the blaze, supported by helicopters attempting to douse the flames.
Local emergency services initially reported over 500 injuries, revising the figure to at least 516, with hundreds being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities believe the explosion originated at the port’s hazardous materials storage area. Officials from the customs office indicated that a fire likely ignited chemicals stored there, leading to the devastating blast.
Shahid Rajaee port, located around 23 kilometers west of Bandar Abbas and just north of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, plays a crucial role in Iran’s economy and global oil transportation. Its proximity to vital oil shipping lanes heightened concerns, though Iranian energy authorities assured the public that oil facilities in Bandar Abbas remained unaffected and operational.
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref ordered a comprehensive investigation into the explosion’s cause and impact. Hormozgan’s crisis management chief, Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, stated that several containers exploded on the wharf, causing extensive damage to port structures. The force of the explosion was so great that it shook buildings and was felt up to 50 kilometers away.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep sorrow for the victims and directed Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to oversee the investigation on-site.
The incident has drawn international sympathy, including from Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed condolences to the Iranian government and people, offering prayers for the wounded and reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran during this difficult time.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, also expressed shock and support through a statement on social media.
The explosion marks one of the most significant industrial accidents in Iran in recent months, occurring amid sensitive diplomatic developments, including ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Oman.
