At least 516 people were injured on Saturday following a powerful explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas, according to Iranian state media. The blast occurred as Iran entered its third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman, raising questions about possible timing and intent, though the cause of the explosion remains unclear.
Rajaei port is some 1,050 kilometres southeast of Iran’s capital, Tehran, on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20 per cent of all oil traded passes. The blast happened as Iran and the United States met Saturday in Oman for the third round of negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear programme.
Blast’s scenario
Local authorities reported that the blast originated from several shipping containers stored at the port’s wharf area. “We are currently evacuating and transferring the injured to medical centres,” a crisis management official told state TV. Emergency responders have not yet confirmed any fatalities.
Footage broadcast by semi-official Tasnim news agency showed injured men lying in the streets as first responders worked amid chaotic scenes. A major fire is still burning at the site, and port customs officials say the affected area likely contained hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods.
Windows were shattered several kilometres away, and video footage shared online showed a large mushroom cloud rising over the port. Fars News Agency reported the explosion was loud enough to be heard on Qeshm Island, about 26 kilometres south of Bandar Abbas.
State TV cited “negligence in handling flammable materials” as a contributing factor. However, speculation about potential foul play has already begun, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed any link to sabotage.
Oil infra unaffected
Oil infrastructure in the area was reportedly unaffected. The National Iranian Petroleum Refining and Distribution Company said the incident had “no connection” to refineries, pipelines, or fuel storage facilities.
The port, a major gateway for Iran’s trade and commerce, was previously targeted in a 2020 cyberattack that disrupted operations. At the time, U.S. media reported that Israel was likely behind the attack, in response to an Iranian cyber operation.
As of now, there has been no official comment from Israel regarding Saturday’s incident. The explosion coincides with sensitive diplomatic talks, raising concerns about broader regional implications.
(With Agency Inputs)