Iran: At Least 40 Dead in Shahid Rajaei Port Explosion as Fire Continues to Rage

A day after a powerful explosion tore through Iran’s main commercial port, the death toll continues to rise, with at least 40 dead and over 1,000 injured.

A Devastating Blast

On Saturday, April 26, shortly before noon, a massive explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaei port, near the southern city of Bandar Abbas. The blast, heard dozens of kilometers away, caused widespread devastation. Images broadcast by Iranian media show heavily damaged buildings, blood-splattered vehicles, and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent, the latest official figures report at least 40 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries. Authorities have urgently appealed for blood donations to help treat the wounded.

The Cause of the Explosion Remains Unclear

The fire sparked by the explosion remains “under control but not fully extinguished,” officials reported on Sunday. Major firefighting operations continue, with water-bombing planes—including several dispatched by Russia—and large teams of firefighters battling the flames more than 24 hours after the blast.

The exact cause of the explosion remains uncertain. Local customs officials pointed to a fire in a hazardous materials warehouse, while other sources, including The New York Times, suggested the possible involvement of sodium perchlorate, a chemical used in solid rocket fuel. Despite the regional tensions, Iranian authorities have not officially raised the possibility of terrorism or sabotage.

National and International Response

President Massoud Pezeshkian, who immediately ordered an investigation, visited the scene on Sunday afternoon. In response to the disaster, authorities declared three days of mourning in the Hormozgan province and a national day of mourning on Monday.

In Bandar Abbas, a city of 650,000 residents, offices and schools remained closed, and the Ministry of Health advised citizens to stay indoors and wear masks due to the spread of toxic smoke.

Countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, India, and Turkey have extended their condolences to Iran, along with the United Nations.

A Critical Strategic Hub Severely Damaged

The Shahid Rajaei port is crucial to Iran’s economy: 85% of the country’s goods pass through it, as does a significant portion of global oil shipments via the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the extensive damage, authorities announced Sunday that container loading and customs operations had partially resumed.

The disaster comes at a sensitive time for Iran, amid critical international nuclear negotiations, raising speculation about a potential geopolitical dimension to the tragedy. For now, investigators are tasked with determining the exact cause of this deadly explosion.