A massive explosion tore through the Port of Shahid Rajaee in Bandar Abbas, southern Hormozgan province, on Saturday evening, leaving at least 25 people dead and around 800 injured, according to local media.
Within minutes of the blast, Tehran fire spokesperson Jalal Maleki reported that rescue teams had almost contained the fire, with only scattered flames remaining that he called "not worrisome." All port operations were suspended as emergency crews worked to secure the area.
Governor Ahmad Pouyafar ordered the closure of all educational centers in Bandar Abbas on Sunday, citing air quality concerns after smoke and dust from the blast spread over the city.
Investigators from the National Disaster Management Organization, led by spokesperson Hossein Zafari, are probing a container holding chemical materials, which officials believe may have triggered the disaster. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani urged against "hasty speculations" until authorities complete their inquiry.
In a post on X, President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences and directed a full investigation into the cause of the explosion. He dispatched Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to coordinate relief efforts and oversee the care of the injured.
The blast at Iran's busiest shipping hub, a key gateway on the Strait of Hormuz, risks disrupting vital trade routes. Industry analysts warn that any prolonged shutdown could ripple through global energy and shipping markets.
International figures also sent condolences. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, "We stand with the Iranian government and people in this hour of grief," praying for a swift recovery for the wounded.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
