A massive explosion, likely caused by improperly stored chemicals, occurred at Iran’s largest port, Bandar Abbas, on April 26, 2025. The blast resulted in at least 14 fatalities and injured more than 700 individuals. The incident took place in the Shahid Rajaee section of the port, a critical hub for Iran’s maritime trade near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Hossein Zafari, a spokesperson for Iran’s crisis management organization, attributed the explosion to chemicals stored in containers at the port. He noted that prior warnings had been issued regarding the potential dangers of improper chemical storage. However, a government spokesperson stated that while chemicals likely caused the blast, the exact reason remains undetermined pending further investigation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and dispatched the interior minister to oversee ongoing efforts to extinguish the fire and prevent its spread. Footage broadcasted on Iranian state media showed a vast cloud of black and orange smoke billowing above the port, with significant damage to nearby structures, including shattered windows and debris scattered across several kilometers.
The explosion’s impact was felt as far as Qeshm Island, located 26 kilometers south of the port. Despite the severity of the incident, Iranian authorities confirmed that oil facilities were unaffected.
Source: Reuters
