Massive Explosion Rocks Rajaei Port, Iran

TEHRAN, SATURDAY - A large explosion that triggered a massive fire shook the Shahid Rajaei port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Saturday (26/4/2025). Local media reported that the explosion injured at least 516 people. Additionally, several buildings were reported to be damaged.

According to the Associated Press news agency, the port is Iran's main facility for container shipping. Each year, more than 72.5 million metric tons of goods pass through the port.

From several images and video recordings, thick black smoke can be seen rising into the air following the explosion. A senior official from the regional disaster agency, Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, told Iranian state television that they immediately headed to the port shortly after the report came in. Meanwhile, several other members conducted the evacuation of victims.

Hasanzadeh stated that the explosion originated from a container at the Rajaei port. However, he did not provide details regarding that information. The authorities have also not issued an official statement regarding the cause of the explosion.

Referring to the page Tehrantimes.com , it is stated that Rajaei port is located about 1,050 kilometers southeast of Tehran. Its position is on the coast of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the main routes in the Persian Gulf. The narrow strait is the global energy artery. Through this route 20 percent of the world's oil flows.

Lakosi port is also only about 15 kilometers southwest of Bandar Abbas.

Citing a report by Press TV, Tehrantimes.com said that initial reports indicated that the blast originated from an administrative building inside the port complex. The blast was so powerful that it destroyed the administrative building and damaged many vehicles.

After the incident, all port operations were temporarily halted as security and emergency teams worked to secure the area. Authorities have declared a state of emergency at hospitals across Bandar Abbas in preparation for the potential of mass casualties.

(AP)