Catastrophic Explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port Leaves Nation in Shock

A powerful explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee section of the Bandar Abbas port in southwestern Iran, killing at least 14 people and injuring around 750 others, according to Iranian media reports quoting the country's interior ministry. The massive blast, which sent thick gray smoke billowing into the sky, was captured in videos verified by CNN. Initial statements suggest the explosion may have been caused by chemical substances stored at the port.

Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, revealed that six people are still missing, as firefighters face intense challenges in battling the blaze, made worse by strong winds. Although the precise cause of the explosion remains uncertain, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani explained that containers suspected of containing chemicals were stored in a corner of the port where the explosion is believed to have occurred. She emphasized that the fire must be completely extinguished before a full investigation can proceed.

As a result of the explosion, authorities quickly declared a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas, citing a sharp and dangerous increase in air pollution. The Ministry of Health has deployed medical teams and introduced emergency protocols to safeguard public health. Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary outings, and keep their windows tightly shut to minimize exposure to hazardous air.

Footage released by the Mehr news agency showed the moment the explosion tore through a warehouse within the port. Additional clips revealed helicopters flying over the area, dropping water in an attempt to contain the raging fires. State media reported that debris littered the surrounding areas, with numerous port buildings heavily damaged and windows shattered several kilometers from the blast site.

Some reports indicated that individuals might still be trapped under the rubble of collapsed structures. Governor of the region, Mohammad Ashouri Taziani, confirmed that the injured have been transported to medical centers in Bandar Abbas for urgent treatment. Meanwhile, the port itself has been closed, and all maritime operations have been suspended indefinitely as recovery and investigation efforts continue.

In response to the devastating incident, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the launch of an official investigation to determine the cause. Writing on X, he stated that the Interior Minister had been dispatched to the scene to assess the situation firsthand. State broadcaster IRIB also confirmed that the explosion occurred in the port’s chemical and sulfur storage areas.

The tragedy has deeply moved the Iranian public. Scenes aired on Iran’s state-run Press TV showed long lines of citizens at health centers, volunteering to donate blood for those injured in the blast. Shahid Rajaee Port, a critical infrastructure point for Iran, spans approximately 2,400 hectares (about 5,900 acres) and manages around 70 million tons of cargo annually. It includes nearly 500,000 square meters (5.4 million square feet) of warehouse space and 35 active shipping berths.