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28 Dead, 1,000 Hurt in Blast at Iran’s Main Commercial Port
A massive explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port has killed at least 28 people and injured more than 1,000, according to the Red Crescent. The fire continued to blaze on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the blast at Shahid Rajaee Port, located near the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil shipments.
Thick smoke and severe air pollution prompted the closure of all schools and offices in Bandar Abbas, the capital of Hormozgan province, about 23 kilometres away. Residents were advised to stay indoors and use protective masks.
Russia announced it was sending several aircraft with specialists to assist in firefighting efforts at Iran's request.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Some reports suggested that sodium perchlorate, a material used in missile fuel, may have been involved. However, Iranian authorities said no military goods were stored or handled in the affected area. Officials believe a fire at a hazardous materials depot likely triggered the blast.
Several containers exploded during the incident, and some of the injured were transferred to hospitals in Tehran, over 1,000 kilometres away.
Images showed helicopters dropping water over the disaster site, firefighters among toppled cargo containers, and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Roads to the port were sealed off, and access to the site was restricted.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said the fire was largely under control and that some port operations had resumed.
Authorities declared three days of mourning across Hormozgan province. Iran's president ordered a full investigation into the explosion.
Messages of condolence and solidarity were sent by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Russia, and the United Nations.
The incident occurred amid ongoing diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Although treated as an accident, the blast took place against the backdrop of regional tensions.