by Lloyd's List

28 April 2025 (Lloyd's List) - A MASSIVE explosion rocked the port of Shahid Rajaee in southern Iran around noon on Saturday, killing at least 18 and injuring over 700, according to Iranian media.

Footage circulated online showed heavy black smoke and fires at the port, which is located southwest of Bandar Abbas, and is Iran’s main container gateway, according to local media. Aerial footage appeared to show fires in at least three locations.

The cause of the deadly blast was not immediately clear, but Tehran Times cited a government spokesperson stating that containers containing chemicals that were stored at the port probably exploded.

Semi-official PressTV blamed a fuel tanker explosion, while IRNA, another state-owned outlet, said the explosion most likely originated from a warehouse containing dangerous goods and chemicals.

Authorities were still working to bring the fires under control on Saturday night (local time), according to Iranian media.