Massive Explosion Rocks Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port: At Least Four Dead, Hundreds Injured

A devastating explosion tore through one of Iran’s largest and most strategic ports on Saturday, leaving at least four people dead and injuring over 500 others, according to Iranian state media.

The blast occurred early in the morning at the Shahid Rajaee Port, located near the southern city of Bandar Abbas, a critical hub for the country’s commercial shipping operations.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the explosion shattered windows, ripped roofs off nearby buildings, and obliterated cars parked near the port. The sheer force of the blast was reportedly felt up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.

Dramatic videos circulating online captured the terrifying moments before the explosion, showing a growing fire that eventually erupted into a massive inferno, sending panicked crowds fleeing for safety. Some individuals were seen lying injured on the streets, surrounded by debris and thick, black smoke.

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Despite efforts by emergency crews, fires continued to rage at the port throughout Saturday afternoon. Helicopters were deployed to assist in battling the flames, while ambulances rushed the injured to local hospitals. Authorities are still working to control the situation and fully assess the extent of the damage.

The Shahid Rajaee Port plays a vital role in Iran’s economy, acting as the main gateway for goods entering and leaving the country. Situated on the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial global shipping route for oil—the port is also just 20 kilometers west of Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s main naval base.

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Initial reports suggest the explosion was triggered by a fire that spread to containers holding “flammable materials,” likely chemicals. A local crisis management official confirmed that several containers in the wharf area had exploded. Customs officials later stated that the blast likely originated in a hazardous materials storage depot.

Adding another layer to the incident, maritime risk analysis firm Ambrey Intelligence reported that the containers involved may have been holding solid fuel intended for Iranian ballistic missiles. The firm noted that 12 merchant vessels were within five nautical miles of the blast at the time, with seven docked directly at the port.

Despite the proximity to key oil infrastructure, Iranian officials have assured the public that the explosion has no connection to the country’s oil refineries, fuel tanks, or pipelines.

In the wake of the disaster, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his “deep regret and sympathy” for the victims and their families. He has ordered a full government investigation and dispatched the interior minister to oversee the inquiry on the ground.

The explosion comes at a sensitive time for Iran, coinciding with ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iranian and U.S. officials in Oman. Talks have been progressing for several weeks as the United States, under President Trump, seeks a new agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for easing economic sanctions.

As authorities continue their investigation, the tragic incident has raised serious concerns about hazardous material handling at strategic sites and the broader implications for regional security.