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At least 40 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured after a devastating explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on Saturday. The blast, which shook the port near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, triggered fires that continued to burn into Sunday, filling the sky with black smoke and forcing authorities to shut down nearby schools and offices.
President Pezeshkian Visits Disaster Site
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the blast site in Bandar Abbas on Sunday to oversee rescue and relief efforts. “We have come to see first-hand if there is anything the government can follow up on,” he stated, praising first responders and pledging full support for the victims and their families.
Pezeshkian also announced a formal investigation into the cause of the explosion.
Smoke, Fire, and Environmental Concerns
Fires raged more than 24 hours after the explosion, with state television reporting that the blaze was “under control but still not out.” The blast’s intensity was so great it was felt nearly 50 kilometers away, according to Fars news agency.
Due to hazardous air quality, Iran’s health ministry warned residents to stay indoors and wear protective masks. Roads leading to the site were sealed off, and access remained limited to official personnel and Iranian media.
Cause of Explosion Under Investigation
While the cause is still under review, early reports suggest the explosion originated from a fire at a hazardous materials depot. Iran’s customs office said the affected area housed chemical and flammable substances.
Conflicting reports have emerged, with a New York Times source claiming sodium perchlorate—used in missile fuel—may have been involved. However, a defense ministry spokesperson denied the presence of any military-related cargo in the area.
Russia Sends Aid as International Condolences Pour In
Russia dispatched aircraft and specialists to assist in firefighting efforts, including a specialized firefighting plane. Other nations including China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, and Turkiye offered condolences. The United Arab Emirates expressed solidarity, and the United Nations extended sympathies as well.
Three Chinese nationals injured in the blast are reportedly in stable condition.
Port Operations Resume in Other Zones
Despite the destruction, officials confirmed that port operations continued in unaffected areas. Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said the “situation has stabilized in the main areas,” while the Roads and Urban Development Minister confirmed loading and customs activities had resumed in several zones.
Massive Explosion Rocks Iran’s Key Port, Killing Four and Injuring Hundreds
Live footage showed helicopters battling the fire from above and firefighters working through scorched debris. Some bodies were recovered amid the blackened and toppled shipping containers.
National Mourning Declared
Iran has declared Monday a day of national mourning, with three days of mourning announced in Hormozgan province starting Sunday. The nation grieves as it grapples with the magnitude of the disaster and its aftermath.
Timing Raises Geopolitical Questions
The explosion occurred while Iranian and U.S. delegations were holding high-level nuclear talks in Oman, during which both parties reported signs of progress. The timing has raised eyebrows, though Iranian authorities are currently treating the incident as an accident.
However, in light of previous sabotage incidents, such as Israel’s reported 2020 cyberattack on Shahid Rajaee Port, some observers remain cautious.
Lebanese Hezbollah offered condolences, expressing confidence that Iran would overcome the crisis with “faith and solid will.”
