Death Toll Hits 65 in Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port Explosion; Negligence Blamed

Bandar Abbas, Iran – A catastrophic explosion at Iran’s strategic Shahid Rajaee Port has killed 65 people and injured over 1,000, state media reported Monday, as authorities blamed “negligence” and vowed accountability for one of the country’s deadliest industrial disasters.

Key Details of the Blast

The explosion erupted Saturday at the port’s hazardous materials storage depot near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit corridor. CCTV footage circulating on social media showed a small fire escalating into a massive fireball within minutes, engulfing containers and sending workers fleeing. Despite ongoing firefighting efforts, including helicopter water drops, flames persisted for two days, delaying full damage assessments.

• Casualties: Hormozgan Province Governor Mohammad Ashouri confirmed 65 fatalities, revising earlier tolls. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni stated 120 injured remain hospitalized, with most of the 1,000+ wounded discharged.
• Cause: Officials attributed the blast to “noncompliance with safety precautions,” though the exact trigger is under investigation. The port’s customs office suggested a fire at the chemical storage depot, while The New York Times cited unnamed sources claiming sodium perchlorate—a missile fuel component—exploded. Iran’s Defense Ministry denied military cargo presence.

Government Response and Mourning

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a high-level probe, calling for “swift justice” for victims. President Masoud Pezeshkian visited injured survivors in Bandar Abbas hospitals, as authorities declared Monday a national day of mourning. Hormozgan Province began three days of mourning Sunday, with schools and offices closed and residents urged to stay indoors amid hazardous air quality.

Strategic and Regional Implications

The disaster struck during sensitive Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman, with both sides reporting progress. The port’s proximity to the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for 20% of global oil shipments—underscores its economic significance. Meanwhile, Russia dispatched specialists to aid firefighting efforts, highlighting deepening Tehran-Moscow ties.

Unresolved Questions and Historical Context

While officials treat the blast as accidental, speculation persists. The 2020 Israeli cyberattack on Shahid Rajaee Port, reported by The Washington Post, adds complexity amid Iran’s shadow conflict with Israel. Iranian Red Crescent images showed thick smoke billowing as firefighters battled flames, with the Revolutionary Guard-linked source’s sodium perchlorate claim fueling scrutiny.