Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a thorough investigation into the deadly explosion that rocked Shahid Rajaee Port, a vital commercial hub in southern Iran. The blast, which occurred on April 27, 2025, killed at least 40 people and left over 1,000 injured. Authorities suspect that a fire in a hazardous and chemical materials storage depot triggered the explosion, sending shockwaves through the area.
In response to the incident, Khamenei instructed security and judicial officials to uncover any negligence or foul play, pledging that the government would follow up in accordance with regulations. His call for an investigation came after President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the scene in Bandar Abbas, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where fires continued to burn more than 24 hours after the blast.
The Aftermath of the Blast
The explosion has left the region reeling, with air pollution and choking smoke spreading throughout the area. As a precaution, local authorities closed schools and offices in Bandar Abbas to allow emergency operations to proceed smoothly. The health ministry urged residents to stay indoors and use protective masks until further notice.
Aerial footage from the Iranian presidency showed towering black smoke over the disaster zone, with firefighting efforts continuing throughout Sunday. While the fire was not fully extinguished, emergency response teams had managed to stabilize the situation, and some areas of the port resumed operations by Sunday afternoon.
President Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to the first responders and assured the public that the government would assist the families of the victims and provide care for the injured. Some of the injured have been airlifted to Tehran for treatment.
The Investigation and Global Response
Iran’s government is treating the explosion as a tragic accident, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of foul play. The port’s customs office suggested that the explosion likely resulted from a fire at a hazardous materials depot, though conflicting reports have emerged about the exact cause.
The explosion occurred amid high-level talks between Iranian and US delegations in Oman over Tehran’s nuclear program, which had been progressing well. This has led some analysts to speculate whether the incident could be linked to tensions in the region, particularly following previous cyberattacks on the port by Israeli forces in 2020.
In the wake of the tragedy, countries from around the world have expressed solidarity with Iran. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Turkey, and the UN have all sent their condolences. The Russian embassy in Tehran also offered support, while China reported that three of its nationals were injured but in stable condition.
National and Regional Mourning
In response to the disaster, Iran declared a day of national mourning on Monday, with three days of mourning in Hormozgan province, where the port is located. This tragic incident has not only left families grieving but has also prompted worldwide attention on Iran’s handling of industrial safety and regional tensions.
As the investigation into the cause of the blast continues, the people of Iran, especially those in the southern regions, remain in shock as they grapple with the loss of life and the ongoing effects of the disaster.
