# Death toll from Iran port explosion rises to 18, over 800 injured

> A powerful explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port on Saturday killed at least 18 people and injured over 700. The blast, linked to a shipment of missile propellant chemicals, occurred as Iran engaged in nuclear talks wit…

Published: 2026-09-17 · Desk: Latest · Source: France 24

A massive explosion at Iran's largest port, Bandar Abbas, on Saturday killed at least 18 people and injured over 700. The blast, which occurred as Iran began a third round of nuclear talks with the U.S. in Oman, is believed to be linked to a shipment of chemicals used in missile propellant. The fire at Shahid Rajaei port continued into Sunday, with helicopters dropping water to control the flames.

The explosion is thought to have been caused by improper handling of ammonium perchlorate, a chemical used in missile propellant, which Iran reportedly received in March. The shipment, coming from China, was part of efforts to replenish Iran’s missile stockpiles, depleted during the Gaza war with Hamas.

Social media footage showed reddish smoke before the explosion, suggesting the involvement of a chemical compound similar to the Beirut port blast of 2020. Iranian authorities blamed the explosion on a stockpile of hazardous chemicals at the port but provided few details.

The explosion caused widespread damage, with fires burning in multiple locations, and authorities warned of air pollution from chemicals like ammonia and sulfur dioxide. Schools and offices in Bandar Abbas were closed as a precaution. An investigation has been launched, and President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences for the victims. Shahid Rajaei port is located in Hormozgan province, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil trade.

Original reporting: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250427-iran-toll-from-massive-port-blast-rises-to-at-least-18-dead-800-wounded
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