A massive explosion at an Iranian port linked to missile fuel shipment kills 5, injures over 700

A massive explosion and fire rocked a port in southern Iran over the weekend, leading to the tragic loss of eight lives and injuring around 750 individuals. The incident, which occurred at the Shahid Rajaei port, was reportedly linked to a shipment of a chemical ingredient used in missile propellant.

Helicopters were deployed to dump water on the raging fire that ensued after the initial explosion. The timing of the incident coincided with a meeting between Iran and the U.S. in Oman to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program.

While Iranian officials did not explicitly attribute the explosion to an attack, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the heightened security alert due to past incidents of sabotage. The Interior Minister of Iran, Eskandar Momeni, provided the casualty figures but details regarding the cause of the blaze were scarce.

A private security firm, Ambrey, revealed that the port had received a shipment of “sodium perchlorate rocket fuel” in March. This fuel, part of a larger shipment from China, was intended to replenish Iran’s missile stocks depleted during conflicts with Israel.

Ship-tracking data indicated the presence of vessels carrying the chemical near the port in March. However, Iran has not confirmed receiving the shipment. The incident raises questions about the handling of hazardous materials, especially following the Beirut port explosion in 2020.

Social media footage captured the moments leading up to the explosion, showing reddish-hued smoke suggesting the involvement of a chemical compound. The Iranian Customs Administration attributed the blast to a “stockpile of hazardous goods and chemical materials” stored in the port area.

Shahid Rajaei port has been a target before, with a cyberattack in 2020 attributed to Israel. The latest explosion has prompted an investigation by Iranian authorities, with President Masoud Pezeshkian offering condolences to those affected.

Located on the Strait of Hormuz, Shahid Rajaei port plays a vital role in trade, serving as a major destination for Iranian cargo. As the investigation unfolds, concerns about air pollution and safety measures at the port have come to the forefront. Schools in the area will remain closed as authorities work to contain the aftermath of the tragic incident.