Key Points
- A massive explosion and fire erupted at Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on April 26, 2025, killing at least five people and injuring over 700.
- The blast originated from containers-likely filled with hazardous chemicals-in the Sina container yard, causing widespread damage and chaos.
- The incident coincided with the third round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations in Oman, but officials have not linked the explosion to sabotage or attack.
- Emergency services rushed to the scene, evacuating the injured and battling a large fire; port operations have been suspended.
- Bandar Abbas is Iran’s busiest port and a vital hub for oil exports and international trade, amplifying the economic and political impact of the disaster.
- Preliminary investigations point to negligence in handling flammable materials; no damage to oil refineries or pipelines reported.
Tehran: A devastating explosion tore through Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas on Saturday, April 26, 2025, killing at least five people and injuring more than 700 in one of the nation’s worst industrial accidents in years. The blast, which erupted around 12:10 pm local time, sent a massive fireball and thick black smoke billowing over the port, with shockwaves shattering windows and damaging buildings several kilometers away.
Blast Linked to Chemical Containers, Not Sabotage
According to Iranian state media and emergency officials, the explosion originated from multiple containers-likely containing hazardous chemicals-stored in the Sina container yard at the Shahid Rajaee port. Preliminary investigations suggest that improper storage and negligence in handling flammable materials may have triggered the disaster. While some reports mention a shipment of sodium perchlorate (used in missile fuel) recently arrived from China, authorities have not confirmed this as the cause.
Despite the timing-coinciding with high-stakes nuclear talks between Iran and the US in Oman-officials have ruled out sabotage or a deliberate attack at this stage. The blast occurred as US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led the third round of negotiations aimed at reviving the nuclear deal.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The explosion unleashed chaos across the port complex:
- Casualties: At least five people have been confirmed dead, with the number of injured rising above 700 as more victims were found in the debris.
- Damage: The shockwave toppled a building, scattered debris over a wide area, and shattered windows kilometers away. Surveillance footage and social media videos captured the moment of the blast, with people seen fleeing and rescuers rushing to aid the wounded.
- Firefighting: Helicopters and emergency teams battled the blaze for hours, eventually bringing it under control. The port was evacuated, and all maritime activities were suspended to facilitate rescue and recovery operations.
- Economic Impact: Shahid Rajaee port is Iran’s largest commercial hub, handling 80 million tons of goods annually and serving as a critical node for oil exports and regional trade. The temporary shutdown is expected to have significant economic repercussions.
No Oil Infrastructure Damage
Authorities confirmed that the explosion did not affect oil refineries, pipelines, or storage facilities at the port. The National Iranian Petroleum Refining and Distribution Company emphasized that the incident was confined to the container yard and posed no threat to the country’s vital energy infrastructure.
Investigation Underway
A formal investigation has been launched. Safety inspectors had previously flagged concerns about hazardous material storage at the site, and officials now suspect negligence played a major role. The Hormozgan chapter of the Iranian Red Crescent Society and local crisis teams continue to search for survivors and assess the full extent of the damage.
“Containers stored in a corner of the port likely contained chemicals which exploded. But until the fire is extinguished, it’s hard to ascertain the cause.”
: Iranian government spokesperson
Background: Bandar Abbas and Shahid Rajaee Port
Bandar Abbas, located on the northern shore of the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, is Iran’s busiest and most strategic port. Shahid Rajaee port is the backbone of Iran’s maritime trade and a key player in regional and international shipping. The port has previously been the target of cyberattacks, including a major incident in 2020 attributed to Israel.
The Shahid Rajaee port explosion has left Iran reeling, with at least five dead and over 700 injured, disrupting the nation’s main trading artery at a critical political moment. As investigations continue, questions remain about the handling of hazardous materials and the broader implications for Iran’s economy and regional stability.
