Source: Africa Publicity
A massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee, Iran’s largest commercial port, has reportedly killed 28 people and left 800 others injured.
According to multiple local media reports, the explosion took place on Saturday morning at the port which is located near the southern city of Bandar Abbas.
Reports say the explosion blew out windows and roofs of nearby buildings and destroyed cars.
Iranian state media reported that six persons remain unaccounted for, with residents reporting that they felt the impact of the explosion up to 50km (31 miles) away from the port.
Shahid Rajaee is the largest and most advanced port in Iran. Much of Iran’s commercial shipping transits through the port. The port is located on the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping channel for oil cargo.
Reacting to the blast, the Iranian national oil production company noted that the explosion had “no connection” to Iran’s oil refineries, fuel tanks and pipelines, according to local media reports.
According to Ambrey Intelligence, the blast was as a result of “improper handling of a shipment of solid fuel intended for use in Iranian ballistic missles,” adding that it was aware that an Iran-flagged ship “discharged a shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel at the port in March 2025.”
The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has since expressed his “deep regret and sympathy” for victims.
Mr. Pezeshkian has also announced an investigation into the explosion, sending the Iranian Interior Minister to the area to lead the investigation.