A massive explosion struck Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port in the southern city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday, injuring more than 400 people and causing widespread panic, according to Iranian state media. The blast, which occurred in the port’s container yard, sent shockwaves across nearby towns and shattered windows several kilometres away.
Local officials said the explosion was triggered by the detonation of several containers stored at the site, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Eyewitnesses reported a building collapse near the explosion site, and footage shared on local media showed a mushroom cloud rising over the port complex.
Fire, Evacuations, and Emergency Response
Hormozgan province’s crisis management head, Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, confirmed that emergency teams were immediately deployed to the scene. Over 400 people were injured, dozens of whom were rushed to medical centres across the province. Authorities launched large-scale evacuations of the port area, with trucks moved out as thick black smoke billowed into the sky.
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Esmaeil Malekizadeh, a regional port official, said firefighting efforts were ongoing to control the blaze that erupted following the explosion. The fire affected the container yard, which reportedly held “dangerous goods and chemicals,” raising concerns about potential hazardous material exposure.
Investigations Underway
While the exact trigger of the explosion remains unclear, authorities have ruled out an ammonia tank as the source. State TV reported that negligence in handling flammable materials was a contributing factor. Officials have promised a full investigation and said the findings would be made public once available.
Security forces cordoned off the affected area as part of the investigation, while the port’s customs department said early assessments pointed to containers carrying volatile goods being involved.
No Impact on Oil Facilities
Despite initial fears, Iran’s National Petroleum Refining and Distribution Company issued a statement clarifying that the explosion had no impact on the country’s refineries, fuel tanks, oil pipelines, or distribution complexes. Shahid Rajaee port, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, is a vital hub for Iran’s trade, handling a significant portion of its imports and exports.
The blast’s effects were felt as far as Qeshm Island, 26 kilometres (16 miles) away, where the explosion was heard. The proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, raised brief regional concerns, although oil operations were unaffected.
Tensions Amid Nuclear Talks
The incident coincided with Iran’s ongoing third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman, adding to the tensions already surrounding the talks. However, no immediate link between the explosion and any external action has been suggested. In 2020, Shahid Rajaee port was the target of a cyberattack that disrupted operations for days, though officials have so far not indicated any suspicion of foul play in Saturday’s explosion.
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Shahid Rajaee is Iran’s largest and most advanced container port, situated about 23 kilometres west of Bandar Abbas and more than 1,000 kilometres south of Tehran. Its strategic position along the Strait of Hormuz makes it a key player in global maritime trade, and any disruption at the facility can have broad implications for regional commerce.