A massive explosion at an Iranian port linked to missile fuel shipment kills 5, injures over 700
A catastrophic explosion occurred at the Shahid Rajaei port in southern Iran, linked to a shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel, killing eight people and injuring approximately 750 others. The explosion, which happened as Iran and the U.S. were negotiating Tehran’s nuclear program, raised suspicions of improper handling of missile fuel. Despite no immediate claims of an attack, Iranian security services remained on high alert due to past sabotage attempts. The incident led to significant air pollution and the closure of schools in Bandar Abbas, with Iranian authorities launching an investigation. The port had previously been a target of cyberattacks, with the most recent blast echoing the Beirut explosion of 2020 in its chemical nature and scale of destruction.
The explosion at Shahid Rajaei port was reportedly linked to a shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel intended for Iran's missile program, resulting in eight fatalities and injuring around 750 individuals.
The blast coincided with U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Oman, and although no attack was officially suggested, Iranian security services were on high alert due to past sabotage incidents.
Social media footage showed reddish-hued smoke, indicating a chemical compound was involved, similar to the 2020 Beirut explosion caused by ammonium nitrate.
The Iranian Interior Ministry announced an investigation, and President Masoud Pezeshkian extended condolences, while state media reported hazardous air pollution and the closure of schools in Bandar Abbas.
Ambrey, a private security firm, stated the explosion resulted from improper handling of the missile fuel shipment, which had been transported from China to replenish stocks depleted by conflicts with Israel.
The Shahid Rajaei port, a crucial Iranian cargo destination, had previously been targeted by a 2020 cyberattack attributed to Israel, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.
The explosion caused widespread destruction, including fires in multiple locations and structural damage kilometers away, with emergency services overwhelmed by the number of casualties.