18 killed, fires still burning in huge Iran port blast

Fires continued to rage on Sunday following a devastating explosion that struck Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaee, on Saturday. The blast claimed at least 18 lives and injured around 800 people, according to Iranian state media. The port, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant portion of global oil supply flows—was rocked by what authorities believe was a fire-induced explosion at a hazardous materials storage depot.

Iranian officials said multiple containers exploded in the wharf area, with state-run TV identifying the likely source as sodium perchlorate, a chemical used in missile fuel. The shockwave damaged many port buildings and was felt up to 50 kilometers away. Live footage on Sunday showed dense black smoke still billowing from the site as helicopters worked to douse the flames.

Emergency services transferred hundreds of the injured to hospitals, and calls for blood donations were issued. Three Chinese nationals were among those lightly injured. In response to the scale of the disaster and widespread air pollution, all schools and offices in the nearby city of Bandar Abbas were closed.

President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered a full investigation, while Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni confirmed the deployment of emergency teams from Tehran and other cities. Images from the scene showed blood-stained vehicles, wrecked infrastructure, and charred cargo.

International reactions included condolences from Saudi Arabia and an expression of solidarity from the UAE. Iran’s oil distribution company assured the public that the explosion did not impact its operations.

The disaster coincided with sensitive diplomatic talks between Iran and the U.S. in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program. It also follows a string of deadly industrial incidents in the country, including a fatal coal mine explosion last year.