A powerful explosion struck Shahid Rajaee Port in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday, injuring at least 281 people, according to state media.
The blast occurred as Iran entered a third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman. The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
Local crisis officials told state television that several containers stored at the port's wharf area exploded, triggering the incident. Efforts were underway to evacuate and transfer the injured to nearby medical facilities.
State TV, citing a spokesperson for emergency responders, confirmed the number of injuries but said there was no immediate information about any fatalities. Footage released by the semi-official Tasnim news agency showed injured individuals lying on the road as rescue operations unfolded amid widespread confusion.
Firefighting teams continued working to contain a major blaze at the scene. Port customs authorities stated that the affected container yard likely held “dangerous goods and chemicals,” which contributed to the severity of the fire.
State television reported that "negligence in handling flammable materials" played a role in causing the explosion.
Oil facilities in the area were not impacted. The National Iranian Petroleum Refining and Distribution Company clarified in a statement that the blast was unrelated to refineries, fuel tanks, distribution centers, or oil pipelines managed by the company.
The force of the explosion shattered windows across several kilometers, and social media footage captured a massive mushroom cloud rising from the blast site. Fars news agency reported that the explosion was loud enough to be heard on Qeshm Island, located 26 kilometers (16 miles) south of Bandar Abbas.
Shahid Rajaee Port was previously targeted in a 2020 cyberattack that disrupted operations, causing significant delays on waterways and surrounding roads.
