Bandar Abbas, Iran — Fires at Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaei in Bandar Abbas, have been fully extinguished two days after a devastating explosion killed at least 65 people and injured more than 1,000, according to Iranian state media.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, speaking from the site, reported on Monday that only 120 injured individuals remain hospitalized. “The culprits have been identified and summoned,” he added, blaming the blast on “shortcomings, including noncompliance with safety precautions and negligence.”
Explosion Near Strategic Strait of Hormuz
The explosion, which occurred on Saturday, rocked the Shahid Rajaei Port near the vital Strait of Hormuz — a key artery through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Initial assessments suggest the blast originated from a fire at a depot storing hazardous chemical materials.
Images broadcast by Iranian state TV showed firefighters battling the inferno, with thick, black smoke billowing across the port. Helicopters from the Iranian Red Crescent Society aided the effort to contain the flames, while damage assessments began as the fires subsided.
Speculation and Investigations
While Iran’s government maintains that the explosion was accidental, fueled by hazardous materials mismanagement, external observers continue to speculate. Tehran has firmly denied rumors that a missile fuel shipment was involved.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a full investigation, emphasizing accountability. President Masoud Pezeshkian also visited the injured in hospitals, while authorities imposed a shutdown of schools and offices, urging residents to stay indoors and wear protective masks when outside.
National Mourning Declared
Monday was declared a national day of mourning, with three days of mourning initiated in Hormozgan Province, home to Bandar Abbas.
The explosion coincided with critical diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Although treated officially as an accident, the blast’s timing has raised concerns amid the ongoing shadow conflict between Iran and Israel.
Notably, The Washington Post previously reported a cyberattack allegedly launched by Israel on the Shahid Rajaei Port in 2020, highlighting the strategic vulnerability of the site.
