Iran’s Khamenei Calls for Investigation into Port Blast That Left 40 Dead
Iran’s Khamenei Orders Full Investigation into Deadly Port Blast
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday ordered a full investigation into the causes of a massive explosion at a key southern port that killed at least 40 people and injured over 1,000.
Khamenei’s directive followed President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to the blast site at Shahid Rajaee Port, near the vital Strait of Hormuz, where fires continued to burn more than 24 hours after the explosion.
“Security and judicial officials are obliged to thoroughly investigate, uncover any negligence or criminal intent, and take appropriate action in accordance with regulations,” Khamenei said in a message broadcast by state television.
Due to heavy smoke and worsening air pollution, authorities closed all schools and government offices in Bandar Abbas, the nearby capital of Hormozgan province, to prioritize emergency operations. The health ministry also urged residents to stay indoors and use protective masks.
Upon arriving in Bandar Abbas, President Pezeshkian praised first responders and pledged government support for victims and their families. A photo released by his office later showed him visiting an injured man in hospital.
The Russian embassy announced it was dispatching aircraft and specialists to assist in firefighting efforts.
The New York Times, citing a source connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that the blast involved sodium perchlorate — a key ingredient in missile solid fuel. However, Defence Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik denied that any military cargo was involved, stating on state television that there had been no military-related imports or exports in the area.
The customs office at the port suggested the explosion was likely triggered by a fire in the hazardous and chemical materials storage depot.
Emergency officials reported that several containers exploded. Hormozgan provincial official Mohammad Ashouri confirmed the death toll stood at 40, while the ISNA news agency, citing judicial sources, reported 1,242 people were injured. Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand said some critically injured victims were airlifted to Tehran for treatment.
Aerial photos showed thick black smoke drifting toward the sea. Although the fire was largely under control, it was not yet fully extinguished, according to state media.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, speaking from the scene, said the situation had stabilized in the main parts of the port — Iran’s largest commercial facility — and that operations like container loading and customs clearance had resumed. Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh confirmed that only one zone of the port had been affected.
Footage showed helicopters dropping water on the flames and firefighters navigating through charred, toppled containers. Road access to the site was sealed, and media coverage was restricted to Iranian outlets.
International Reaction and Mourning
China's foreign ministry said three injured Chinese nationals were in stable condition. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Russia, and the United Nations all expressed condolences. Lebanese Hezbollah, a close ally of Tehran, also extended sympathy, expressing confidence in Iran’s ability to overcome the tragedy.
Germany's embassy in Tehran posted its condolences on Instagram, saying, "Bandar Abbas, we grieve with you."
Iran declared Monday a national day of mourning, with Hormozgan province observing three days of mourning starting Sunday.
The explosion occurred as Iranian and U.S. delegations held talks in Oman over Tehran's nuclear program, with reports suggesting some progress. Although officials are treating the blast as accidental for now, it comes amid years of regional tensions, including a reported 2020 cyberattack by Israel on the Shahid Rajaee Port, according to the Washington Post.
