Massive Explosion Rocks Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port, 400 Injured

400 people injured after a massive explosion struck Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran’s Bandar Abbas city on Saturday, triggering widespread panic and halting port activities.

The blast, which occurred at the wharf area of the busy southern port, was reportedly caused by the explosion of several containers, according to local crisis management officials cited by Iranian state media. Authorities are investigating the cause, amid fears that the number of casualties could rise.

“Many people were probably injured or even killed in the incident,” Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, adding that all port operations were suspended to control the blaze.

Emergency teams swiftly moved the injured to nearby medical centers. The explosion shattered windows within a several-kilometre radius, highlighting the intensity of the blast. Local media outlets broadcast videos showing a large mushroom cloud rising above the port area.

Officials have not confirmed any fatalities yet, but the situation remains fluid as rescue operations continue. Social media platforms were flooded with videos, including one from a dashcam, purportedly capturing the moment of the explosion. However, the authenticity of these videos has not been independently verified.

The explosion coincided with Iran beginning a fresh round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman, raising concerns about the timing and possible security implications.

In 2020, Shahid Rajaee Port was the target of a cyberattack attributed to Israel, causing major disruptions. However, there is no immediate indication that Saturday’s blast was linked to a cyber incident.

Iranian officials have pledged a thorough investigation into the incident. “The primary focus remains on rescuing the injured and ensuring the safety of the port,” a local authority told Iranian news outlets.

Further updates are expected as emergency operations continue and the full extent of the damage is assessed.