Massive Explosion at Iran’s Largest Port Kills at Least 40, Injures 1,200

At least 40 people have been killed and around 1,200 injured following a massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran’s largest container port, near the southern city of Bandar Abbas. The blast occurred on Saturday morning, April 26.

Port of Shahid Rajaee is one of the two parts in the port of Bandar Abbas, southern Hormozgan province in Iran. It is located on the north shores of the Strait of Hormuz.

Local reports say the explosion shattered windows, tore off roofs, and destroyed cars in nearby areas. Residents reported feeling the impact up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.

While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, chemicals stored at the container port are suspected to have fueled the blast. Shahid Rajaee is Iran’s busiest port facility, handling a large share of the country’s imports and exports.

The Iranian Defence Ministry has denied international media reports suggesting the explosion could be linked to the mishandling of solid missile fuel. The Associated Press, citing British security firm Ambrey, reported that the port had received a shipment of sodium perchlorate — a chemical used in ballistic missile propulsion — in March. Mishandling of this chemical could potentially have triggered the blast, according to Ambrey.

However, a spokesperson for the Defence Ministry dismissed these claims as part of “enemy psychological operations (psyops),” insisting the affected area contained no military cargo.

The explosion comes at a sensitive time, as Iran is engaged in a third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman.

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