Port of Shahid Rajaee explosion

The Port of Shahid Rajaee is Iran's largest commercial port and maritime hub, handling approximately 80 million tons of goods annually.{{cite news |last=Christou |first=William |date=26 April 2025 |title=Huge explosion in Iranian port wounds at least 516 people |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/26/huge-explosion-in-iranian-port-wounds-at-least-people |access-date=26 April 2025 |newspaper=The Guardian}} Located on the north shores of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, it serves as a critical hub for the country's maritime trade.{{Cite news |last=Abdulrahim |first=Raja |date=2025-04-27 |title=Iran Port Explosion's Death Toll Rises |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/27/world/middleeast/iran-port-explosion.html |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=28 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428014544/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/27/world/middleeast/iran-port-explosion.html |url-status=live }} The port is approximately {{Convert|23|km|mi|abbr=off}} west of Bandar Abbas and is adjacent to facilities operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).{{Cite web |date=26 April 2025 |title=At least 280 injured after 'massive' blast at southern Iran port |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/at-least-280-injured-after-massive-blast-at-southern-iran-port |access-date=26 April 2025 |website=Daily Sabah}}{{Cite web |date=26 April 2025 |title=Nearly 281 injured in massive blast in south Iran port |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/world/2025/04/26/iran-port-massive-blast-hundreds-injured.html |access-date=26 April 2025 |website=Onmanorama }}

In 2020, Israel launched an attack that hampered operations at the Shahid Rajaee port.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/26/world/middleeast/iran-port-explosion-bandar-abbas.html |title=Massive Iran Port Explosion Kills at Least 14 and Injures Hundreds |work=The New York Times |access-date=1 May 2025 |archive-date=30 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430062639/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/26/world/middleeast/iran-port-explosion-bandar-abbas.html |url-status=live |last1=Nikounazar |first1=Leily |last2=Boxerman |first2=Aaron |last3=Fassihi |first3=Farnaz }}

The explosion occurred as the Iran–US negotiations were held in Oman with the aim of reaching an agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program. Before the meetings began, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said that "our security services are on high alert given past instances of attempted sabotage and assassination operations designed to provoke a legitimate response".{{Cite web |date=26 April 2025 |title=A massive explosion at an Iranian port linked to missile fuel shipment kills 8, injures around 750 |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-explosion-fire-bandar-abbas-72637c6b3e152a30045275f57ace29ed |access-date=26 April 2025 |website=AP News }}

File:NASA FIRMS 2025-04-26 Shahid Rajaee.png's FIRMS detected the fire on 26 April 2025 at 17:07 (UTC).]]

File:Explosion incident in Shahid Rajaee port 16 Mehr.jpg

On 26 April 2025, at approximately 12:00 Iran Standard Time (IRST),{{Cite web |date=2025-04-26 |title=روایت خبرنگار مهر از وضعیت فعلی در نزدیکی محل انفجار در بندرعباس |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447243/%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%86%DA%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%88%D8%B6%D8%B9%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D9%81%D8%B9%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%B2%D8%AF%DB%8C%DA%A9%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa |archive-date=27 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427032227/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447243/%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%86%DA%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%88%D8%B6%D8%B9%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D9%81%D8%B9%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%B2%D8%AF%DB%8C%DA%A9%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3 |url-status=live }} an increasingly intense fire that contained reddish-hued smoke{{cite news |date=27 April 2025 |title=Iran's president visits those injured in port explosion that killed at least 40 people |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-explosion-bandar-abbas-port-shahid-rajaei-53387f4f71dba2788569655297c57cff |access-date=27 April 2025 |publisher=Associated Press}} led to a large explosion in the Sina container yard within the port.{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx251yyvwr3o |website= BBC Online |title= Huge blast at key Iranian port kills 28 and injures 800 |first= Frances |last= Mao |date= 2025-04-27 |access-date= 2025-04-28}} Fifteen firefighters and all the staff inside the administrative building were killed in the initial explosion. The blast originated from several containers and produced a large fire and a plume of black smoke visible for kilometers.{{Cite web |date=26 April 2025 |title=Iran port explosion kills 14, injures 750 – official toll |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202504261552 |access-date=27 April 2025 |website=Iran International |language=en |archive-date=27 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427022602/https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202504261552 |url-status=live }} The shockwave shattered windows and caused structural damage to buildings several kilometers away. At least one building collapsed due to the blast. The explosion was reportedly heard as far as Qeshm Island, {{convert|26|km|miles|sp=us}} south of Bandar Abbas,{{Cite web |date=2025-04-26 |title=جزئیات انفجار در بندرعباس؛تلاش ها برای اطفای حریق در جریان است |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447047/%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B4%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%AF |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa |archive-date=27 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427040642/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447047/%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B4%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%AF |url-status=live }} and was felt at a distance of {{convert|50|km}} from the site.{{Cite web |title=Major blast at south Iran port kills 5, injures hundreds |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250426-major-blast-at-south-iran-port-injures-hundreds |access-date=26 April 2025 |website=France 24 |language=en}}

According to initial reports, at least 70 people were killed in the explosion while 1,210 others were injured, 138 of them seriously.{{Cite news|date=28 April 2025|title=Death Toll Rises to 70 in Iran Port Explosion|url=https://iranwire.com/en/news/140717-death-toll-reaches-46-in-iran-port-explosion/|access-date=28 April 2025|work=IranWire}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-29 |title=Iran blames 'negligence' for port blast as death toll rises to 70 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdz300p0qlo |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=BBC |language=en-GB |archive-date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429205308/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdz300p0qlo |url-status=live }} The casualty figure was later revised by the judiciary to 57 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries as body parts were counted as a whole body. Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran accused Iran of covering up the death toll and was several times higher than officially reported, saying closer to 250 people were killed and an estimated 1,500 others were injured.{{Cite news |date=April 30, 2025 |title=Iran accused of 'covering up' death toll in port explosion amid concerns of uprising |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-accused-covering-up-death-toll-port-explosion-amid-concerns-uprising |access-date=April 30, 2025 |publisher=Fox News |archive-date=30 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430113227/https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-accused-covering-up-death-toll-port-explosion-amid-concerns-uprising |url-status=live }} The Chinese consulate in Bandar Abbas said three Chinese nationals were among the injured.{{cite news |date=27 April 2025 |title=Toll from Iran port blast hits 40 as fire blazes |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250427-eighteen-killed-fires-still-burning-in-huge-iran-port-blast |access-date=27 April 2025 |work=France 24}} Emergency services, including the Iranian Red Crescent Society, dispatched rapid response teams to the scene.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-26 |title=تیم‌های واکنش سریع و ارزیاب هلال احمر هرمزگان به محل حادثه اعزام شدند |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447073/%D8%AA%DB%8C%D9%85-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%B4-%D8%B3%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%B9-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D9%87%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%B1-%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B2%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%84-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%85 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa}} Injured individuals were evacuated and transported to nearby medical facilities and as far as Shiraz.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-27 |title=انتقال سه مصدوم دیگر حادثه بندر شهید رجایی هرمزگان به شیراز |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6449102/%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%B3%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%AF%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B2%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B4%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B2 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa |archive-date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429022134/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6449102/%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%B3%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%AF%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B2%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B4%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B2 |url-status=live }} Firefighting efforts were undertaken to control and extinguish the blaze using helicopters to pour water onto the fire from above.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-26 |title=اطلاعیه شماره ۳ سازمان مدیریت بحران کشور برای حادثه بندر شهید رجایی |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447805/%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%DB%B3-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa |archive-date=27 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427030745/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447805/%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%DB%B3-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF |url-status=live }} Port operations were suspended temporarily to facilitate emergency response activities. Schools and offices in the area were ordered closed on 27 April, while the health ministry advised residents not to go outside "until further notice" and to use protective masks.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-30 |title=هیچ‌گونه آلودگی‌های شیمیایی در مناطق مسکونی بندر شهید رجایی وجود ندارد |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6451962/%D9%87%DB%8C%DA%86-%DA%AF%D9%88%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%A2%D9%84%D9%88%D8%AF%DA%AF%DB%8C-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%B4%DB%8C%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%82-%D9%85%D8%B3%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%AF |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa}} Russia sent a firefighting aircraft and personnel to help extinguish the fire.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-29 |title=ماجرای استفاده از هواپیماهای آب‌پاش روسی در هرمزگان چه بود؟ |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6451107/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%BE%DB%8C%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D8%A8-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D8%B4-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B2%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%86%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AF |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa |archive-date=30 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430041243/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6451107/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%BE%DB%8C%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D8%A8-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D8%B4-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B2%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%86%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AF |url-status=live }} By 27 April, only 190 of the injured were still being treated in the hospital. The fires were declared contained on 28 April.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-28 |title=شعله‌های آتش در اکثر نقاط تحت تاثیر حریق بندر شهید رجایی خاموش شده است |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6450271/%D8%B4%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D8%AA%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A7%DA%A9%D8%AB%D8%B1-%D9%86%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B7-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AB%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%82-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B4 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa}}

On 27 April, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian visited Bandar Abbas and met with emergency personnel and victims of the disaster.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-27 |title=حضور رئیس جمهور در بیمارستان خاتم‌الانبیاء بندرعباس |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6448794/%D8%AD%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%BE%D8%B2%D8%B4%DA%A9%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A8%DB%8C%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa}} The governor of Hormozgan province, Mohammad Ashouri, declared three days of mourning for the victims, while a national day of mourning was declared on 28 April.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-27 |title=دولت در سوگ حادثه بندر عباس عزای عمومی اعلام کرد |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6448707/%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%88%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DA%A9%D9%84-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%BE%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa |archive-date=28 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428020909/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6448707/%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%88%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DA%A9%D9%84-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%BE%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3 |url-status=live }}

File:Shahid Rajaee port explosion emergency response.png|Wounded survivors being picked up by ambulances|alt=Medical staff standing by an ambulance while patients are being put in it

File:Unremitting_efforts_of_firefighters_in_Shahid_Rajaee_port_21_Mehr.jpg|Firefighting at the scene

File:Victims_of_the_Shahid_Rajaee_Port_Accident_13_Mehr.jpg|Victims of the incident in hospital|alt=Victims of the incident in hospital

Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Preliminary assessments suggested that negligence in handling flammable materials may have contributed to the incident. The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company stated that the explosion was not related to its infrastructure, including refineries, fuel tanks, distribution complexes, or oil pipelines.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-26 |title=اطلاعیه شرکت ملی پالایش و پخش درباره حادثه انفجار در بندرشهید رجایی |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447081/%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%B4%D8%B1%DA%A9%D8%AA-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B4-%D9%88-%D9%BE%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa |archive-date=27 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427044325/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6447081/%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%B4%D8%B1%DA%A9%D8%AA-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B4-%D9%88-%D9%BE%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF |url-status=live }} A government spokeswoman, Fatemeh Mohajerani, said: "containers were stored in a corner of the port that likely contained chemicals which exploded. But until the fire is extinguished, it's hard to ascertain the cause."{{Cite web |author1=Eyad Kourdi |author2=Leila Gharagozlou |date=26 April 2025 |title=More than 500 injured in huge explosion at Iranian oil port |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/26/middleeast/iran-bandar-abbas-port-explosion-intl/index.html |access-date=26 April 2025 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=26 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250426121424/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/26/middleeast/iran-bandar-abbas-port-explosion-intl/index.html |url-status=live}}

One analyst compared the blast to the 2020 Beirut explosion stating that it is consistent with an ignition and explosion of sodium perchlorate (used to make rocket fuel) or ammonium nitrate (used as fertilizer). The explosion has also been linked to a shipment of ammonium perchlorate, a strong oxidizer used in rocket fuel.{{Cite news |last=Swan |first=Melanie |date=2025-04-27 |title=Missile fuel from China 'caused Iran port explosion' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/27/chinese-missile-fuel-caused-iran-port-explosion/ |access-date=2025-04-27 |work=The Daily Telegraph |issn=0307-1235}} A named maritime risk consultancy firm believed the explosion was caused by improper handling of ammonium perchlorate. The port received a shipment of ammonium perchlorate in March from China to replenish Iran's stock for producing missiles.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-28 |title=Report: missile fuel may have ignited deadly Iranian port explosion |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250428-report-missile-fuel-may-have-ignited-deadly-iranian-port-explosion/?utm_ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Middle East Monitor}}

Without naming specific chemicals, Iranian authorities stated on 27 April 2025 that the explosion was caused by "hazardous goods and chemical materials" stored in the port.{{cite news |last1=Gharagozlou |first1=Leila |last2=Lister |first2=Tim |last3=Brennan |first3=Eve |last4=Vetch |first4=Frankie |date=2025-04-27 |title=Iran tight-lipped on cause of deadly port explosion that killed at least 40 people |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/iran-tight-lipped-on-cause-of-deadly-port-explosion-as-toll-rises/ar-AA1DHRAl |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=msn.com}} A spokesperson for the Iranian defense ministry, Reza Talaei-Nik, denied that missile fuel had been transported via the site, without providing a possible cause of the explosion.

On 28 April 2025, Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, announced that the explosion was caused by negligence and non-compliance with safety measures. He stated that some individuals have been identified and summoned in connection with the incident, highlighting shortcomings in adhering to safety precautions and passive defense protocols.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-27 |title=مومنی: احتمال افزایش تعداد فوتی‌های حادثه بندر شهید رجایی وجود دارد |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6449075/%D9%85%D9%88%D9%85%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B2%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B4-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D9%81%D9%88%D8%AA%DB%8C-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa |archive-date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429212124/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6449075/%D9%85%D9%88%D9%85%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B2%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B4-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D9%81%D9%88%D8%AA%DB%8C-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AB%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF |url-status=live }} Momeni emphasized that the hazardous materials involved should have been dispersed to prevent such a disaster.{{Cite web |title=Iran port explosion caused by negligence: Interior minister |url=https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/middleeastnews/851333/iran-port-explosion-caused-by-negligence-interior-minister/en |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=LBCIV7 |language=en}}

On May 4, two people, including a government official, were arrested by Iranian authorities in connection with the explosion.

The Port of Shahid Rajaee is Iran's largest maritime hub, handling approximately 80 million tons of goods annually and accounting for 85–90% of the country's container traffic, as well as 55% of Iran's total trade. It is also the 44th largest port in the world based on its handling capacity. The explosion led to the suspension of all imports and exports through the port.{{Cite news |date=26 April 2025 |title=Iran oil port explosion: Massive blast rocks Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/iran-oil-port-explosion-massive-blast-rocks-shahid-rajaee-port-in-bandar-abbas/articleshow/120649367.cms |access-date=27 April 2025 |work=The Economic Times |location=India |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=26 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250426214524/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/iran-oil-port-explosion-massive-blast-rocks-shahid-rajaee-port-in-bandar-abbas/articleshow/120649367.cms |url-status=live }} This disruption halted a substantial portion of Iran's trade activities, impacting revenue streams and the supply chain for essential goods. Despite the magnitude of the explosion, Iran's oil infrastructure, including refineries and pipelines in the vicinity, remained operational. The port's closure may impede the export of oil and related products, which are critical for Iran's economy and foreign currency earnings.{{Cite news |date=2025 |title=Iranian port explosion injures more than 500 workers |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2a912c5f-4ee2-425f-a689-bd8760635567?utm |website=Financial Times |access-date=}}

The head of the Iran Road Maintenance & Transportation Organization reported on 30 April 2025 that the activities of loading, unloading and announcing cargo in the port had returned to normal conditions.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-30 |title=فعالیت‌های بندر شهید رجایی طبق روال عادی است |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6452334/%D9%81%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%B7%D8%A8%D9%82-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=fa}}

Messages were sent by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates,{{Cite web |title=Everything we know about the massive blast at Iran's Bandar Abbas port |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/everything-we-know-about-blast-irans-shahid-rajaee-port |website=The New Arab |access-date=29 April 2025 |archive-date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429000907/https://www.newarab.com/news/everything-we-know-about-blast-irans-shahid-rajaee-port |url-status=live }} as well as China,{{Cite web |date=2025-04-29 |title=Xi extends condolences to Iranian president over severe explosion |url=https://english.news.cn/20250429/7bd752dddf07462f807aaf33cb1d29a9/c.html |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Xinhua News Agency |language=en |archive-date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429124534/http://english.news.cn/20250429/7bd752dddf07462f807aaf33cb1d29a9/c.html |url-status=live }} Afghanistan,{{Cite web |title=Afghan interim gov't expresses sympathy with Iran over port explosion |url=https://english.news.cn/20250427/f007ce7340bc4a4ebf7017d0a55cf46e/c.html |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Xinhua |language=en}} India, Pakistan,{{Cite web |date=2025-04-26 |title=Pakistan PM speaks to Iranian president after deadly port blast, discusses regional tensions |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2598542/pakistan |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Arab News |language=en}} Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations.{{Cite web |title=Iran's President Pezeshkian visits injured, site of deadly port explosion |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/27/irans-president-pezeshkian-visits-injured-site-of-deadly-port-explosion |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429000907/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/27/irans-president-pezeshkian-visits-injured-site-of-deadly-port-explosion |url-status=live }}

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called for an investigation by security and judicial officials to identify negligence or deliberate actions leading to the disaster. He also offered condolences to the injured and thanked those who donated blood to victims.{{Cite web |title=Security & judicial authorities must investigate & uncover any negligence or deliberate act in this event and follow up in accordance with regulations |url=https://english.khamenei.ir/news/11634/Security-judicial-authorities-must-investigate-uncover-any |website=english.khamenei.ir}}

Amnesty International accused the Iranian government of suppressing media outlets over the cause of the explosion.{{Cite web |title=Amnesty accuses Iran of 'sinister crackdown' after deadly port blast |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250430-amnesty-accuses-iran-of-sinister-crackdown-after-deadly-port-blast |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=France 24 |language=en}}

The explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port had notable environmental consequences. According to reports, the blast released large quantities of toxic substances, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, into the atmosphere, leading to severe air pollution in the Bandar Abbas region. Residents were advised to remain indoors, and concerns were raised about long-term health effects.{{cite web |title=پیامدهای محیط‌زیستی انفجار بندررجایی؛ از آلودگی آب تا کاهش باروری پرندگان |url=https://www.dw.com/fa-ir/%D9%BE%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%AD%DB%8C%D8%B7-%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%B3%D8%AA%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A2%D9%84%D9%88%D8%AF%DA%AF%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D8%A8-%D8%AA%D8%A7-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B4-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%86%D8%AF%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86/a-72389904 |website=DW |date=2024-05-17 |language=fa}} The combustion of goods stored in containers, including food items like meat, fish, and poultry, resulted in chemical runoff contaminating the Persian Gulf waters. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on marine biodiversity.{{cite web |title=انفجار پنهان |url=https://www.sharghdaily.com/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87-100/1010244-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%BE%D9%86%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86 |website=Shargh Daily |date=2024-05-15 |language=fa}}

The explosion also had a significant impact on wildlife, especially birds in the surrounding area. According to experts including Iman Ebrahimi, the pollutants released during the incident have been linked to reduced fertility and breeding success among avian populations near the port. Environmental experts have emphasized the need for long-term monitoring and mitigation measures to prevent further ecological damage.

{{cite web |title=انفجار پنهان |url=https://www.sharghdaily.com/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87-100/1010244-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%BE%D9%86%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86 |website=Shargh Daily |date=2024-05-15 |language=fa}}

• Largest artificial non-nuclear explosions
• 2015 Tianjin explosions, a series of explosions at the Port of Tianjin in China that killed 173 people and injured 798
• 2022 Sitakunda fire, a fire and explosions at a container depot in Bangladesh that killed at least 47 people and injured around 450
• PEPCON disaster, an ammonium perchlorate-related explosion
• List of explosions in the 2000s
• 2025 Isfahan explosion

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

{{Wikinews|Explosion in Iran's largest port, Shahid Rajaee, heard 50 km away, leaves dozens killed, thousands injured}}

• {{Commons-inline|2025 Shahid Rajaee port explosion}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shahid Rajaee port explosion}}

Category:2025 disasters in Iran

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Category:Bandar Abbas

Category:Strait of Hormuz