Massive Explosion at Iran’s Largest Port Leaves ۱۴ Dead and Hundreds Injured

Huge blast at key Iranian port kills 14 and injures more than 750

At least 14 people have been killed and around 750 injured following a massive explosion at one of Iran’s main ports, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred at Shahid Rajaee, Iran’s largest commercial port, located near the southern city of Bandar Abbas, early on Saturday morning.

The blast shattered windows, ripped off roofs of nearby buildings, and destroyed numerous vehicles. Residents reported feeling the force of the explosion from as far as 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.

Footage captured by eyewitnesses shows a fire escalating rapidly before culminating in a massive explosion, prompting people to flee the scene while others were seen lying injured on the roads amidst smoldering debris.

“The entire warehouse was engulfed in smoke, dust, and ash. I can’t recall whether I ducked under the table or was thrown there by the force of the blast,” a witness who was nearby told state television.

Aerial images revealed at least three distinct fires blazing across the port area. Iran’s interior minister later confirmed that the fire was spreading from one container to another. As a precaution, schools and government offices in the region have been ordered to remain closed on Sunday.

A private maritime risk assessment firm suggested that the containers involved likely contained solid fuel intended for use in ballistic missiles.

According to Ambrey Intelligence, the fire was caused by “improper handling of a shipment of solid fuel designated for Iranian ballistic missile programs.”

The firm also noted that in March 2025, an Iran-flagged vessel had reportedly delivered a consignment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel to the port.

The Financial Times had earlier reported that two ships had transported similar materials from China to Iran.

State media, citing eyewitness accounts, reported that the explosion occurred after a fire broke out and spread to unsealed containers holding “flammable substances.”

Later, customs officials issued a statement, broadcasted by state TV, suggesting the explosion likely stemmed from a fire in a hazardous materials and chemical storage area.

In an additional update, Ambrey referenced Iran’s National Disaster Management Organization, which stated that authorities had previously issued safety warnings to Shahid Rajaee Port regarding the proper storage of chemical materials.

Shahid Rajaee, Iran’s largest commercial port Shahid Rajaee, Iran’s largest commercial port Shahid Rajaee, Iran’s largest commercial port