On April 26, 2025, a massive explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee port near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, killing at least 14 people and injuring more than 750. Authorities reported that the blast originated from containers storing highly flammable chemicals, including ammonium perchlorate, imported from China earlier this year.
The explosion sent shockwaves across a 50-kilometer radius, damaging nearby buildings and vehicles. Thick black smoke blanketed the area, prompting the closure of schools and urgent health warnings for residents to stay indoors, seal windows, and wear masks due to the release of hazardous gases like ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered a full investigation and dispatched Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to the site. Iran’s emergency response teams worked around the clock to treat the wounded and contain the environmental fallout.
The incident comes amid sensitive nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Oman, adding further tension to an already fragile situation. Authorities have not ruled out sabotage but emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns at major industrial hubs and the dire consequences of improper chemical storage.
