A massive explosion at Iran's Port of Shahid Rajaee in Bandar Abbas left at least 25 dead and 800 wounded Saturday, marking one of the region's worst industrial disasters this year. Rescue teams rushed to contain fires and evacuate victims as authorities suspended operations at the strategic Hormozgan province hub.
While the cause remains under investigation, National Disaster Management Organization spokesperson Hossein Zafari suggested chemical materials in a port container may have triggered the blast. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani cautioned against premature conclusions, confirming only that “containers with probable chemical content” were present at the site.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pledged full support for victims' families via social media, dispatching Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to coordinate relief efforts. Bandar Abbas Governor Ahmad Pouyafar closed schools Sunday as firefighters battled residual flames amid air quality concerns.
International condolences poured in from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other global leaders. The incident highlights growing safety concerns at Middle Eastern logistical hubs handling hazardous materials.
