The explosion at Bandar Abbas Port. Even in the morning hours (Israel time), workers continued operating at the site. The number of fatalities rose to 25, and more than 1,130 people were injured. Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, reported that approximately 80% of the fire at the port was now under control. The city is expected to remain closed today, including the shutdown of schools, businesses, and government institutions.
Chemical material used for rocket fuel
An Iranian source close to the Revolutionary Guards confirmed to The New York Times that the material that exploded at the port was ammonium perchlorate, a chemical used for producing solid rocket fuel. The source noted that the explosion does not appear to have been the result of a deliberate attack.
The British maritime security firm Ambrey also confirmed to the Associated Press that the material found at the scene was ammonium perchlorate, commonly used in missile propulsion.
Struggles following Israeli strikes
Due to a severe shortage caused by Israeli strikes on Iran last October, the country has faced difficulties in producing the material domestically. Shipments of ammonium perchlorate were delivered to Bandar Abbas after arriving from China and were intended for use in the production of missile fuel in Iran.
New footage of the yesterday’s deadly explosion of Ammonium Nitrate (AN) shipment at Rajaee port of #BandarAbbas, south of #Iran pic.twitter.com/yxOWUD6gtV
— Babak Taghvaee – The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) April 27, 2025
Secondary explosions
As reported yesterday at 12:30 p.m., an explosion occurred at Bandar Abbas Port in southern Iran, leading to hundreds of casualties. Overnight, secondary explosions were reported as fires continued to burn in the port area. Bandar Abbas is considered Iran’s largest and most strategic port.
