Iran Acknowledges Negligence in Deadly Port Explosion as Casualties Climb

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:59:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Iranian government points to safety violations following a catastrophic explosion at Shahid Rajaee port that has left 70 dead and over 1,000 injured.

As Iran grapples with the aftermath of a devastating explosion at its largest container port, officials express concerns over negligence and safety noncompliance. Recovery efforts continue while the death toll rises, sparking widespread anger and calls for accountability.

Iran's Interior Minister has attributed negligence as a contributing factor to the catastrophic explosion that rocked Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, which occurred two days ago. The tragedy has already claimed at least 70 lives and injured more than 1,000 individuals. Minister Eskandar Momeni stated that the blast was the result of "shortcomings, including noncompliance with safety precautions."

Authorities have indicated that several individuals responsible for the oversight have begun to face questioning amidst the investigation. According to customs officials, the blaze that triggered the explosion originated from unregistered and undeclared imported cargo. The Iranian defense ministry has firmly refuted claims circulating in foreign media regarding the involvement of missile fuel in the shipment.

Crisis management director for Hormozgan province, Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, noted improvements in the firefighting efforts, which are nearing completion. However, concerns linger regarding the cleanup process, with Hormozgan Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani predicting that it might take another week or two before normal operations can resume at the port. Reports estimate that approximately 1,500 hectares, or nearly two-thirds of the port's area, have been severely impacted by the explosions.

Contrasting statements surfaced from the CEO of the operating firm, Sina Marine and Port Services Development Company, who implicated "catastrophic errors involving false declarations of hazardous goods." This has sparked further speculation and questions regarding the safety protocols at play.

Despite conflicting narratives regarding the involvement of sodium perchlorate—a chemical used for solid fuel in ballistic missiles—the Iranian defense ministry maintained that there were no military-related shipments in the vicinity. In stark contrast, intelligence sources suggested that a shipment of sodium perchlorate had indeed arrived at the port last month, potentially leading to the current disaster.

As the nation mourns its losses, the incident highlights a growing sense of anger among Iranians, as calls for greater accountability and improvements in safety standards resonate throughout the community.