Cargo Explosion in Iran Linked to False Documentation, Death Toll Reaches 70

Wed Oct 22 2025 05:05:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Investigators reveal misrepresented shipment information led to devastating port blast in southern Iran.

The massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee port is now confirmed to have resulted from improperly documented cargo, raising serious safety concerns.

Iranian officials have confirmed that the tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaee port, one of the nation’s busiest maritime facilities, was fueled by a shipment that was incorrectly documented, revealing serious systemic failures in safety protocols. The explosion, which occurred on Saturday, has resulted in at least 70 fatalities and left approximately 1,200 others injured, with 120 individuals still hospitalized.

The government investigation has identified “false statements” in the shipping documents, which obscured the dangerous nature of the materials involved. Notably, initial claims classified the cargo as ordinary goods, but reports indicate it may have contained sodium perchlorate, a significant chemical used in solid fuel for missiles. This discrepancy has raised questions about oversight and responsibility among port authorities and shipment handlers.

Authorities at Shahid Rajaee port, which is crucial for Iran’s economy as it manages about 85 percent of the nation’s container traffic, were reportedly slow to release details about the shipment, such as its origins and specifics on the generative cargo. Meanwhile, forensics teams continue to work through the grim task of identifying the deceased, with many victims still unaccounted for.

In an attempt to clarify the situation, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian parliament's security committee, denied speculation of a foreign attack and downplayed the idea that the misrepresentation in documentation was a move to cut costs. Observers noted that similar ports have previously been targeted in asymmetric warfare, asserting that security systems may need reevaluation to prevent future tragedies.

Iranian officials have promised a transparent investigation and committed to publicizing findings as they develop, as the nation grapples with both the human and economic impacts of this disaster. The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures within Iran's vital shipping infrastructure and greater accountability among those managing hazardous materials.