BANDAR ABBAS : 26 April 2025 – A huge explosion occurred at around 12.30 pm local time on Saturday at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Hormozgan Province, leaving at least eight dead and 750 injured, according to the Red Crescent Society.
The strategically important port lies around 15 kilometers southwest of the port of Bandar Abbas on the northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz.
The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be known. However, Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government spokeswoman, said some containers that had been stored at the port and contained chemicals had probably exploded.
The wounded were transferred to Hormozgan hospitals. Eskandar Momeni, the interior minister, and Pirhossein Kolivand, the head of the Red Crescent Society, have gone to Bandar Abbas.
Initial reports indicate that the blast originated in an administrative building within the port complex. The blast was so intense that it completely destroyed the building and severely damaged many vehicles, Press TV reported.
Following the incident, all port operations were suspended as security and emergency teams worked to secure the area. Authorities immediately declared a state of emergency at hospitals across Bandar Abbas in preparation for possible mass casualties.
The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company also announced that the explosion had nothing to do with refineries, fuel tanks, distribution centers, or oil pipelines associated with this company in that area, and that the facilities located in Bandar Abbas were currently operating without interruption.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered sympathy to the families of the victims. First Vice-President Mohammad-Reza Aref has ordered immediate and comprehensive investigations to determine the exact cause of the incident and the extent of the damage.
Pakistan Iran to Cooperate More Closely to Deal the Challenges including Border Security
From Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, expressing deep condolences over the tragic explosion.
During the call, the prime minister conveyed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan to the Iranian leadership and people, mourning the loss of precious lives. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and assured President Pezeshkian that Pakistan stands firmly with the brotherly nation of Iran during this difficult time, offering all possible assistance.
The two leaders also discussed recent regional developments. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared Pakistan’s perspective on India’s provocative actions following the Pahalgam incident, reaffirming Pakistan’s desire for peace in the region. He welcomed any positive role Iran might wish to play in promoting regional stability.
The prime minister categorically rejected any Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack, reiterating that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He emphasized that Pakistan, itself a major victim of terrorism over the past two decades, is open to a neutral investigation into the incident to establish the facts.
Discussing India’s actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, the prime minister condemned the use of water as a weapon, vowing that Pakistan would defend its rights vigorously.
On the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.
President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz Sharif for his message of solidarity and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for promoting peace in the region. He extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Tehran, which the prime minister warmly accepted while reiterating his own invitation to President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan.
