Explosions at Bandar Abbas Port Leave Over 115 Injured, Raise Sabotage Concerns

On April 26, 2025, a sequence of powerful explosions rocked the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, Iran, starting around 10:30 a.m. local time. Initial reports from Iranian state television IRIB and the Fars news agency indicated around 80 injuries, but this number was later updated by Mehr news agency to at least 115, encompassing port workers and rescue personnel.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosions were triggered by the ignition of a fuel tank, followed by several subsequent detonations that exacerbated the destruction and raised suspicions of sabotage. Witnesses reported a distinctive orange smoke rising from the scene, indicating the potential release of toxic substances, likely nitrogen oxides.

The first explosion occurred near the quays, resulting in the destruction of the port’s administrative building. The Shahid Rajaee port serves as a crucial hub for oil exports and military operations, particularly for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which houses vessels like the Shahid Bagheri drone carrier. The shockwave from the initial blast was reportedly felt on Qeshm Island, located approximately 20 kilometers away, damaging buildings and vehicles in the vicinity. Subsequent explosions exacerbated the situation, hampering rescue efforts as fires continued to rage. Videos captured black and orange smoke billowing from the port, drawing comparisons to the devastating 2020 Beirut explosion linked to ammonium nitrate.

Iranian officials, including the head of Hormozgan’s crisis management, have attributed the explosions primarily to a tank fire while not completely dismissing the possibility of sabotage. The Guardian highlighted that the port has previously been targeted in attacks attributed to Israel, including a 2020 cyberattack and military strikes in 2024. Analysts suggest that these explosions might be part of a broader campaign to undermine Iranian infrastructure, particularly amidst threats from former President Trump regarding military action if Iran fails to comply with the nuclear agreement. The presence of orange smoke, often associated with chemicals like ammonium nitrate, has raised alarms about potential toxic pollution, leading to urgent evacuations in surrounding areas.

As a result of the explosions, port operations have been suspended, and rescue efforts are being hindered by ongoing fires. Hospitals in Bandar Abbas are overwhelmed with casualties, while the IRGC has cordoned off the area, limiting media access. Sources confirmed damage to piers and potential harm to naval vessels, which could disrupt IRGC logistics. Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern regarding the port’s proximity to nuclear facilities and has offered assistance in assessing the associated risks.