A devastating explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port has left 46 dead and over 1,000 injured as firefighters continue battling flames amid questions about explosive chemicals stored at the facility.
Key Insights
- The massive explosion occurred at Shahid Rajaee Port near the crucial Strait of Hormuz oil transport corridor, with fires still burning two days after the initial blast.
- Satellite imagery reveals extensive destruction including two large craters, with 138 victims still hospitalized as recovery efforts continue.
- Reports indicate the presence of sodium perchlorate (a chemical used in missile fuel) that allegedly entered the port without proper documentation, raising security questions.
- Iran’s supreme leader has ordered an investigation into possible negligence or intentional causes, while the defense ministry denies any military cargo was present.
- The incident coincided with Iranian-US nuclear talks in Oman, occurring amid ongoing regional tensions and following a history of security incidents at the port.
Deadly Blast Devastates Strategic Iranian Port
A catastrophic explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port has claimed 46 lives and left more than 1,000 injured in what appears to be one of the country’s worst industrial disasters in recent memory. Firefighting teams continue to battle persistent flames at the site more than 48 hours after the initial blast. The explosion occurred at Iran’s largest commercial port, situated near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes daily, raising concerns about potential regional implications.
According to Iranian officials, 138 victims remain hospitalized as rescue and recovery efforts continue. The blast created massive destruction visible in satellite imagery which shows two large craters where buildings once stood and significant damage to shipping containers. Local authorities have closed schools and offices in the area surrounding Bandar Abbas, advising residents to stay indoors and use protective masks due to potentially hazardous air quality.
❗️🇮🇷 – The death toll from an explosion at Iran's largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaee, rose to 28, with over 1,000 injured, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.
The cause remains unclear, with suspicions of improperly stored chemicals. Iran's Defense Ministry denied claims… pic.twitter.com/li6Yw5XRPl
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) April 27, 2025
Questions Mount About Chemical Storage and Security
CCTV footage shows the incident began with a relatively small fire before escalating into a massive explosion. Media outlets have reported that sodium perchlorate, a chemical compound used in missile fuel, may have been involved in the explosion. The private security firm Ambrey noted the port received a shipment of ammonium perchlorate from China in March, though Iranian military officials have denied receiving such a shipment.
Social media videos from the explosion showed distinctive reddish smoke, suggesting the presence of chemical compounds. The visual signature bears similarities to the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which involved improperly stored ammonium nitrate. Reports indicate the cargo at Shahid Rajaee Port may not have been properly reported to customs authorities, suggesting potential involvement of high-level organizations such as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in handling the materials.
Investigation Launched Amid Regional Tensions
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a thorough investigation to determine if the explosion resulted from negligence or intentional actions. A national day of mourning has been declared, with three days of regional mourning in Hormozgan province. Russia has reportedly sent specialists to assist in controlling the ongoing fires at the port facility, highlighting the international dimensions of the disaster.
The timing of the explosion has raised questions, as it coincided with Iranian and US delegations meeting in Oman for nuclear discussions. The incident also follows a history of security challenges at the port, including a reported 2020 cyberattack attributed to Israel. While speculation has circulated about possible foreign involvement, Iranian authorities have not presented evidence supporting such claims. The investigation continues as the port, critical to Iran’s economy, deals with the aftermath of this devastating explosion.
Sources:
Fires rage 2 days after Iran port blast killed 46
Iran says fire extinguished at a port rocked by explosion as the death toll rises to at least 70
Tehran in trouble: Deadly port explosion leaves Iran in a bind – analysis
News Editor
