A devastating explosion rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port near Bandar Abbas on Saturday morning, leaving at least 28 people dead and injuring over 800, according to Iranian authorities. Shahid Rajaee, the country’s largest commercial terminal, is a critical hub located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The blast, which destroyed nearby cars, shattered windows, and damaged roofs, was felt up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. Verified footage showed a growing fire followed by a huge explosion, with scenes of wounded residents fleeing smoke-filled streets. Eyewitnesses described chaos, with one survivor telling Iranian state TV that the warehouse was engulfed in smoke and dust moments after the blast.
Aerial images revealed multiple areas ablaze as the fire spread between containers. Schools and offices in the region have been ordered shut as firefighting and recovery operations continue.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was linked to the improper handling of solid rocket fuel. Ambrey Intelligence, a maritime risk consultancy, reported that containers with solid fuel intended for ballistic missiles were involved. They noted that an Iran-flagged vessel had delivered sodium perchlorate rocket fuel to the port earlier in March 2025. Customs officials later stated the fire originated in a hazmat storage area containing flammable chemical materials.
Iran’s National Disaster Management Organisation had previously warned Shahid Rajaee port authorities about the unsafe storage of chemicals, raising questions about regulatory oversight.
Although close to major oil infrastructure, Iran’s national oil company confirmed that refineries, pipelines, and fuel tanks were unaffected by the explosion.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep sorrow for the victims and has ordered a full investigation, assigning the interior minister to lead the inquiry.
The disaster comes at a sensitive time, coinciding with renewed US-Iran negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme. While both sides reported progress through Oman-mediated talks, significant differences remain. Iran maintains its nuclear program is civilian and insists on its right to enrich uranium, seeking sanctions relief in return.
This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the delicate diplomatic efforts and further exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s critical infrastructure management.
