Iranian minister cites negligence as cause of deadly Shahid Rajaee Port blast

Negligence and shortcomings were the causes of the explosion at the Iranian port of Shahid Rajaee, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said.

Momeni said safety issues and civil defence regulations had not been taken seriously at the port, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

The minister noted that medical teams are using forensic techniques and DNA testing to identify the bodies.

He said the firefighters and rescue teams have been working tirelessly during the past two days to contain the fire and save lives.

The minister said that several individuals have been summoned in connection with the explosion.

A catastrophic explosion occurred on April 26, 2025, at Iran's Shahid Rajaee Port near Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province. The blast resulted in 46 deaths and over 1,200 injuries, with some reports indicating the injury toll may be higher. The explosion originated from several containers in the port's wharf area, possibly containing hazardous materials or chemicals.

Russia has dispatched emergency aid, including planes and specialist firefighters, to assist Iran in the aftermath of the explosion. The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2020 Beirut port explosion, raising safety concerns in industrial practices.​

By Khagan Isayev