A massive explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, killed at least 14 people and injured more than 750 others on Saturday, according to Iranian state media and government officials. The blast, which sent a towering plume of black and gray smoke over the region, prompted a state of emergency and the suspension of maritime operations at Iran's largest shipping hub.
Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni confirmed that six individuals remain missing as firefighters continued battling the fire fueled by strong winds. "Containers were stored in a corner of the port that likely contained chemicals which exploded," government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said, adding that a full cause would not be determined until the fire was extinguished.
Footage from Iranian media showed extensive damage across the port, with warehouses reduced to rubble, windows shattered as far as 16 miles away, and helicopters dropping water on the blaze. Surveillance video released by Mehr News captured the moment of the explosion, believed to have originated in the chemical and sulfur section of the complex.
Iran's National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company clarified that the blast was unrelated to nearby refineries, pipelines, or fuel tanks, despite early reports suggesting a possible fuel tanker explosion.
President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered a full investigation, dispatching the interior minister to the site. On X, Pezeshkian emphasized the need for "a comprehensive assessment of the causes of the incident" to prevent future disasters.
The Ministry of Health mobilized emergency medical teams, urging residents to stay indoors due to a significant rise in air pollution. Citizens were advised to avoid outdoor activities and keep windows shut as toxic smoke spread across Bandar Abbas.
At least one building collapsed, with reports indicating that individuals remained trapped under debris. Injured victims were rushed to hospitals, and long lines formed outside blood donation centers, according to Iran's state-run Press TV.
Shahid Rajaee port, covering approximately 5,900 acres, processes about 70 million tons of cargo annually, including oil and general goods. The port's critical role in Iran's economy, situated on the Strait of Hormuz-a vital global oil transit route-underscored the gravity of Saturday's incident.
The explosion occurred as Iranian and United Nations officials convened in Oman for the third round of talks on Iran's nuclear program, adding to tensions in a region already strained by geopolitical uncertainty.
