Missile Fuel Suspected of Triggering Iran Port Blast

An explosion occurred on Saturday (26/4/2025) at Shahid Rajaei Port, Hormozgan Province, located 15 kilometers west of Bandar Abbas, Iran's number one port on the Strait of Hormuz. Several observers stated that the explosion was allegedly triggered by propellant – a chemical raw material used in rockets or munitions – intended for Iran's ballistic missile project. However, this was denied by the Iranian military.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the victims of the explosion who are being treated at a nearby hospital. Initial reports indicate that the death toll stands at 28 individuals.

The private security company Ambrey stated that the port is handling chemicals for missile fuel in March 2025. This is part of the shipment of Ammonium Perchlorate from China, which is being transported by two cargo ships to Iran. The plan for the first shipment was reported by The Financial Times in January 2025.

The fuel for missiles and rockets is needed to replenish Iran's dwindling arsenal, which has been utilized in the war against Israel in October 2024 and to support the struggle of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli side stated that it was not involved in the explosion incident at Shahid Rajaei Port. An analysis of ship movement monitoring conducted by the Associated Press showed that a cargo ship was detected in March 2025.

“The fire was caused by mishandling of solid fuel destined for Iranian ballistic missiles,” Ambrey reported.

The Iranian military has denied information regarding the shipment of Ammonium Perchlorate chemicals from China that resulted in an explosion. The spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Defense, General Reza Talaenik, refuted claims of importing missile fuel through that port.

"There is no import or export of fuel for military purposes conducted at the port," said Talaeinik via telephone. He stated that Western media reports regarding the missile fuel are unfounded. However, he did not explain what triggered the massive explosion at the port.

It is not yet known why the Iranian authorities did not move the hazardous chemicals from the port, considering a similar incident occurred in 2020 that devastated the Port of Beirut. At that time, hundreds of tons of Ammonium Nitrate exploded, killing 200 people and injuring 6,000 others.

There are allegations that, because Israel consistently targets Iranian missile manufacturing sites, there is ultimately no safe place to process the raw materials for Iranian ballistic missiles, leading them to be left in port warehouses.

Several recordings from social media show explosions and a fire on Saturday at Shahid Rajaei Port, with smoke and flames rising high before the explosion occurred, reminiscent of the explosion at the Port of Beirut. The sound of the explosion was heard up to 50 kilometers from the location of the incident.

The atmosphere appeared terrifying, with the port destroyed and charred, emitting plumes of smoke. A crater from the explosion was visible, billowing thick smoke. The local government closed schools and halted community activities near the incident site.

Containers were seen scattered across the harbor dock. Trucks and various motor vehicles were seen burned around the location.

Images circulated by the Iranian news agency, IRNA, show rescue teams and survivors walking along streets filled with debris and remnants of explosions. The location of the incident is 1,000 kilometers south of the capital, Tehran.

"We are trying to find out what happened," said President Pezeshkian during a meeting with senior Iranian officials broadcasted by local television.

The Times of Israel reported on Sunday night that local residents were advised by the Iranian Ministry of Health to stay at home and to wear masks if they must go out.

The customs officials at Shahid Rajaei Port stated to Iranian television that the explosion was likely triggered by a fire from hazardous chemicals stored in one of the warehouses.

Iran's Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni, stated that the situation is now under control in the main port area, and workers have resumed loading, unloading, and customs activities. Saturday marks the beginning of the work week in the Iranian calendar, which is why Shahid Rajaei Port was bustling with workers and port activities when the explosion occurred.

The head of the Iranian Red Crescent, Pir Hossein Kolivand, stated that at least 190 people are still being treated for serious injuries in hospitals. The Governor of Hormozgan announced a three-day mourning period to honor the victims.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by the Iranian news agency IRNA, has sent a disaster response aid plane to Bandar Abbad Province to assist in the handling of the explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port. Putin expressed his condolences and concern.

Chinese television, CCTV, reported that three Chinese citizens sustained minor injuries based on information from the Chinese Consulate in Bandar Abbas, which is adjacent to Shahid Rajaei Port.

The United Arab Emirates expressed solidarity with Iran. The Saudi government also expressed condolences over the disaster. (AP/Reuters)