A massive explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port, Iran’s largest commercial hub near the Strait of Hormuz, has claimed 28 lives and injured over 1,000 people, state media reported on Sunday.

The blast, attributed to poor chemical storage practices, has sparked fires that continue to burn, hampering rescue efforts and raising concerns about safety protocols at the strategic port.

The explosion rocked the port on Saturday, sending shockwaves felt up to 50 kilometers away and producing thick plumes of black smoke visible across the region. According to the Fars news agency, the blast originated in a hazardous and chemical materials storage depot, where multiple containers detonated after a fire broke out. Hossein Zafari, a spokesperson for Iran’s crisis management organization, told ILNA that the disaster stemmed from improper storage of chemicals, despite prior warnings from officials about safety risks that went unaddressed.

Iranian state television broadcast images of debris-strewn roads and emergency workers navigating the chaotic scene. Hundreds of the injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities, prompting an urgent call for blood donations from the provincial blood transfusion center. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni reported that port operations, including container loading and customs clearance, have partially resumed despite the ongoing crisis.

President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the victims’ families and vowed a thorough investigation into the explosion’s causes and circumstances. The tragedy has prompted Hormozgan province to declare three days of public mourning.

International leaders and organizations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Turkey, the United Nations, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, extended condolences and offered support to Iran during this difficult time.

The explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port, which handles critical trade through the Strait of Hormuz—a waterway carrying roughly 20% of global oil shipments—underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures at Iran’s key infrastructure sites. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the injured and preventing future disasters. (ILKHA)