Over 40 Dead and More Than 1200 Injured After Massive Explosion at Bandar Abbas Port
The death toll from a massive explosion at Iran’s largest port, Bandar Abbas, has risen to at least 40, with over 1200 injured, state media reported Sunday. Firefighters continue battling multiple blazes across the affected area.
The explosion occurred Saturday at the Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran’s main container terminal. The blast shattered windows several kilometers away, tore metal strips from shipping containers, and severely damaged cargo.
The incident took place as Iran was engaged in a third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman.
According to state media, fires were still erupting in various parts of the damaged port area as of Sunday evening, with helicopters and firefighting crews working tirelessly to control the situation.
Preliminary reports suggest that chemicals stored at the port may have triggered the explosion, although the exact cause remains unconfirmed. Iran’s Ministry of Defense denied international media reports suggesting the blast was linked to mishandling of solid rocket fuel, calling such claims part of “enemy psychological operations.” Officials emphasized there were no military shipments in the affected area.
The Associated Press, citing British security firm Ambrey, reported that sodium perchlorate — a key ingredient in solid rocket fuel — had been delivered to the port in March, and mishandling of the chemical could have caused the explosion.
According to the Financial Times, in January 2024, two Iranian vessels delivered enough sodium perchlorate from China to fuel up to 260 medium-range missiles. This was part of Iran’s effort to replenish its missile stockpiles after direct strikes on Israel.
Aftermath and Investigation
On Sunday, thick black smoke still rose over the port area, with twisted metal debris scattered across the site.
The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society announced that 90% of the fires had been contained, and port operations had resumed in undamaged sections of Shahid Rajaee.
Officials indicated that the explosion was likely caused by improper storage of hazardous chemicals. Authorities had previously issued warnings about safety risks at the facility.
Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani urged against “premature conclusions,” saying final assessments would be released after a full investigation.
Upon visiting the scene, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized port officials for negligence:
“Did we really need to store the container here for 3–4 months… until we accumulated 120,000 to 140,000 containers?"
Negligence has been blamed for several deadly industrial accidents in Iran in recent years, including oil refinery fires, a gas explosion at a coal mine, and fatal incidents during emergency repairs at Bandar Abbas.
Iran has also blamed some past attacks on Israel, which has targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and air defense systems over recent years.
