A massive explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on Saturday, leaving more than 500 people injured, according to emergency officials. The National Emergency Organization confirmed in a statement, published by state-run media including IRNA, that at least 516 individuals have been injured and transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment. Images from the scene showed towering plumes of smoke and extensive fires engulfing parts of the port, particularly around the container dock area. Local media reported that the fire began around 12 p.m. local time (0830 GMT), with initial investigations pointing to the presence of flammable materials that ignited amid soaring temperatures of around 40°C. Eyewitness accounts described a small blaze rapidly intensifying due to heat and the accumulation of combustible substances, ultimately triggering a massive explosion. Iran's National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company clarified that the incident was not linked to refineries, fuel storage tanks, oil pipelines, or any distribution facilities operated by the company. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni instructed provincial authorities in Hormozgan to submit a preliminary report on the incident, according to a statement from his office. Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Aref held separate phone calls with the Governor of Hormozgan Province and the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society to issue directives, including the launch of a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the blast and immediate aid for the injured. Meanwhile, Iran's Customs Administration has temporarily halted the dispatch of export and transit shipments destined for Shahid Rajaee Customs at Bandar Abbas until further notice. Shahid Rajaee Port, located in Hormozgan Province about 15 kilometers southwest of Bandar Abbas, is a strategic trade hub on the northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global shipping route. While no official death toll has been confirmed, local reports suggest the explosion's intensity caused significant damage, drawing comparisons to the devastating Beirut Port explosion of August 2020. Authorities continue to assess the full scale of the damage and the potential environmental impact. — Agencies
