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A large explosion that ripped through fuel containers at a strategic Iranian port on Saturday has injured more than 500 workers and disrupted foreign trade.
There has been no official explanation for the cause of the blast. However, local officials quoted by state media suggested the explosion may have resulted from an “incident” involving flammable fuel containers at Shahid Rajaee port in the city of Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz.
Investigations are continuing and Iran’s customs authority has suspended all imports and exports through the port.
Babak Yektaparast, a spokesperson for the State Emergency Organisation, confirmed that 516 people had been injured. There was no official confirmation of any deaths.
Despite the size of the explosion — state television showed footage of a massive mushroom cloud — authorities said the blast did not damage the city’s oil infrastructure.
Bandar Abbas is home to one of Iran’s largest refineries, which, according to the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, continues to operate normally.
Iran’s economy relies on oil for its foreign currency to pay for the import of essential goods.
The timing of the explosion coincided with the start of a third round of indirect talks between Iran and the US in Muscat, aimed at ending a nuclear stand-off.
Speculation surged on Iranian social media, with some users suggesting the blast may have been an act of sabotage aimed at derailing the negotiations. Blame was directed at both domestic hardliners and foreign adversaries, including Israel, who are seen as opposed to any deal.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the Oman-mediated talks were proceeding “seriously”. Alongside political discussions between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, the sides also engaged in technical sessions.
According to Iranian media, The talks concluded on Saturday, with both sides returning to their capitals for further consultations.