A massive explosion and fire rocked the Shahid Rajaei port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The blast struck the port’s chemical and sulfur storage area, sending a huge mushroom cloud of dark smoke into the sky and shattering windows several kilometers away. According to varying official reports, between four and eight people were killed, and more than 700 others were injured. Many of the injured suffered burns, trauma, or exposure to toxic fumes, and hospitals across Bandar Abbas struggled to handle the sudden influx of casualties. Some victims had to be pulled from under collapsed structures.

Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was triggered by the ignition of hazardous chemicals stored in containers at the port. Iranian officials and state media have pointed to the presence of flammable substances, possibly ammonium nitrate or sodium perchlorate, a chemical often used in missile propellant. Security analysts and some Western media outlets have linked the disaster to a recent shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel imported from China, reportedly meant to replenish Iran’s missile stocks following recent military activities. However, Iranian authorities have not confirmed any connection between the shipment and the explosion.

At this stage, there is no evidence that the blast was the result of an attack or sabotage, although tensions remain high in the region. The explosion caused extensive damage to port infrastructure, warehouses, and surrounding buildings. Debris was scattered over a wide area, and authorities warned of air pollution from chemicals such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide released during the fire. Firefighters and rescue teams worked for hours to bring the blaze under control, with helicopters deployed to drop water on the site. Maritime activities at the port have been suspended indefinitely as investigations continue.

The Shahid Rajaei port is Iran’s largest commercial port and a vital hub for container and bulk cargo traffic. Its closure represents a significant disruption to both civilian trade and strategic shipments. Officials acknowledged that safety inspectors had previously raised concerns about the storage of hazardous materials at the port, highlighting persistent issues with industrial safety in Iran’s ports and petrochemical facilities.

In response to the disaster, Iranian President Oud Peeshk ordered an immediate investigation and sent the interior minister to oversee the response. As one crisis management official explained, “The cause of this event was the explosion of multiple containers… mishandling of ‘flammable substances’ played a significant role.” A government spokesperson added, “What has been established so far is that containers stored in a corner of the port likely held chemicals that detonated. However, until the fire is fully extinguished, it is challenging to pinpoint the exact cause.”

The explosion at Shahid Rajaei port marks one of Iran’s most serious industrial accidents in recent years. Beyond the immediate tragedy, it raises broader concerns about port safety and the movement of missile-related materials through key civilian infrastructure.

Russia Claims to Retake Kursk

Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside top military officials such as General Valery Gerasimov, announced that Russian forces have regained full control of the Kursk region. Kursk had been partially occupied by Ukrainian troops since their surprise offensive in August of the previous year. Gerasimov reported to Putin that the final village held by Ukrainian forces, Gornal, had been “liberated,” marking the official end of Russia’s operation to reclaim the area. Putin described Ukraine’s attempt to hold Kursk as an “utter failure” and said that this victory would allow Russian forces to shift focus to other critical fronts.