At least eight people were killed and over 750 injured on Saturday, April 26, 2025, after a massive explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The explosion, which occurred around 12:30 PM local time, sent thick, black smoke billowing into the sky and triggered a major fire at the country’s most advanced container port, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Initial reports indicated that the blast may have originated from an administrative building within the port complex, with subsequent investigations revealing that it was likely caused by chemical materials stored in containers. Fatemeh Mohajerani, the Iranian government spokeswoman, stated that the explosion was probably linked to hazardous materials kept at the port.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the injured were swiftly transported to nearby medical centers, with hospitals in Hormozgan, Fars, and Kerman provinces placed on high alert to accommodate the influx of casualties. Medical facilities in Tehran also prepared to receive additional patients as needed.
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media depicted the chaos following the explosion, with reports of significant damage to vehicles and buildings at the port. One witness recounted, "my truck was completely destroyed and my friend died," highlighting the human toll of the disaster.
As rescue operations continued, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to travel to Bandar Abbas to oversee the investigation into the incident and coordinate assistance for the victims. Pezeshkian expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
In the aftermath of the explosion, all port activities were suspended, and a state of emergency was declared. Schools and offices in Bandar Abbas, located about 23 kilometers from the blast site, were ordered closed on Sunday to facilitate emergency response efforts.
As the fire raged on, authorities warned that strong winds could exacerbate the situation, potentially spreading the flames to other areas of the port. The National Iranian Oil Products Refining and Distribution Company confirmed that the explosion did not impact nearby oil refineries or pipelines, assuring that operations in Bandar Abbas continued without interruption.
The explosion occurred against the backdrop of critical nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, raising concerns about the timing of the incident. Diplomatic talks were taking place in Oman, where both sides reported progress in discussions aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
Mehrdad Hassan Zadeh, the General Director of Crisis Management in Hormozgan Province, stated that evacuation operations were underway, and the extent of the damage was still being assessed. The explosion was so powerful that it was felt and heard up to 50 kilometers away, with local news agency Fars reporting that the shockwave severely damaged most of the port buildings.
In light of the incident, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. The Iranian Customs Office noted that the blast likely resulted from a fire that broke out at the chemical materials storage depot.
As rescue teams worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the explosion, the Iranian government urged the public and media to refrain from making hasty speculations regarding the cause of the incident. Mohajerani emphasized that investigations were ongoing and that the focus should remain on aiding the injured and securing the area.
The Shahid Rajaee Port, recognized as Iran’s largest and most advanced container port, plays a vital role in the nation’s maritime economy. Featuring 12 container berths and 30 cranes, it handles a significant portion of cargo traffic in the region, particularly through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, where approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply is transported.
This incident marks one of the deadliest workplace accidents in Iran in recent years, following a coal mine explosion in September that claimed the lives of over 50 workers. As the nation grapples with the implications of this latest tragedy, the focus remains on recovery and understanding the factors that led to such a devastating event.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are working to ensure the safety of the port and its operations, while also addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the explosion. The community’s response to this disaster will likely shape future safety protocols and emergency preparedness measures in Iran’s critical industrial sectors.
