By Amir Daftari Newsweek World
The death toll has risen to at least 45, with more than 1,200 wounded, following a massive explosion at Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday.
Fires continued to break out at the strategic shipping hub late into Monday, as helicopters and emergency crews try to contain the devastation, which was captured in part by satellite imagery reviewed by Newsweek.
Why It Matters
Bandar Abbas is a major commercial gateway located on the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil output passes. The blast comes at a time of heightened sensitivity, as Tehran and Washington engage in renewed nuclear negotiations amid longstanding accusations over Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a message of condolence, calling for a “thorough investigation to detect if there’s been any negligence or deliberate acts.”
The health ministry has urged residents to stay indoors and wear protective masks amid hazardous smoke and worsening air conditions. The explosion has also revived comparisons to the catastrophic 2020 Beirut port blast.
Newsweek has reached out to Iran’s Foreign Ministry for comment.
What to Know
Iranian state media said the explosion began with a fire at a hazardous materials depot, where a regional emergency official reported multiple container explosions. According to private security firm Ambrey, Rajaei port, located in Bandar Abbas, had received a shipment of sodium perchlorate in March, transported by two vessels from China. Newsweek had first reported the arrival of the cargo in January.
China’s consulate in Bandar Abbas said three Chinese citizens sustained minor injuries in the explosion and were in good condition, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
‘Those Responsible Will Be Dealt With’
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said on Monday that possible failures, including in civil defense measures, were under investigation following the explosion at Rajaei port. He told state television that authorities were examining potential safety violations and incorrect declarations of flammable materials, warning that “those found responsible at any level will be dealt with.”
Sabotage Accusations
Meanwhile, Iranian parliamentarian Mohammad Seraj accused Israel of orchestrating the explosion, according to remarks published on Sunday by the Rokna news agency. Seraj said the incident was “not accidental,” dismissed a spontaneous fire as a possible cause, and linked the blast to broader Israeli efforts to disrupt Iran’s international relations.
Israel, which has previously targeted Iranian missile facilities, quickly denied involvement, according to local media reports. This denial came as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff launched a third round of nuclear negotiations in nearby Oman on Saturday.
Shockwaves Felt for Miles
Iran’s Tehran Times reported that the explosion was felt and heard for 30 miles. Footage posted to X showed the moment the blast forcefully hurled an office worker backward against a counter.
Officials have declared three days of mourning, shutting schools and government offices in the area to aid emergency response efforts. Hundreds of casualties overwhelmed local hospitals, and a provincial blood bank appealed for urgent donations.
What People Are Saying
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated: “It is the duty of security officials and judicial authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to detect if there’s been any negligence or deliberate acts that have caused this.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: “We will try to take care of the families who lost their loved ones, and we will definitely take care of the dear people who got injured.”
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni warned: “Those found responsible at any level will be dealt with.”
What Happens Next
Iranian authorities are conducting an official investigation while grappling with rising public and international scrutiny over safety measures at critical infrastructure sites.
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This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 8:36 AM.
