An explosion rocked Iran’s Bandar Abbas port on April 26, killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 1,000. But even as the fires slowly die down, the Iranian government hasn’t revealed what caused the blast.
The explosion happened at Shahid Rajaee Port, a key shipping hub near the Strait of Hormuz. What started as a small fire quickly turned into a massive blast after it reached an unmarked container. Smoke filled the sky and flames spread through the port, destroying cargo containers and creating panic.
Some media reports suggest the port may have been storing chemicals used in missile fuel. CNN noted that thick orange-brown smoke was seen, which usually means chemicals like sodium or ammonia were burning. But Iranian officials have denied any military link. The Defense Ministry stated clearly that no military cargo was being shipped through the port.
Iran’s national oil company also distanced itself, saying the blast had nothing to do with its operations. Still, the exact cause remains a mystery. The customs office said the explosion likely started in the chemical storage area, but no one has confirmed what exactly was inside.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has now stepped in. On Sunday, he called for a full investigation and ordered officials to find out whether the blast was caused by an accident or someone’s mistake. He also asked security and legal teams to step in.
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the site, where fires were still burning more than a day later. Around 80% of the flames have been put out, thanks to aircraft dropping seawater and firefighters working around the clock.
The explosion also caused heavy air pollution, and smoke covered nearby areas. All schools and government offices in Bandar Abbas were shut down to help emergency teams focus on the disaster.
Footage shared by Iranian media showed burned containers, injured people, and helicopters dousing the fire. Roads to the port have been sealed off, and only state-run media has been allowed to report from the area.
For now, Iran remains tight-lipped.
