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Disaster at Rajai Port: The Hidden Dimensions of a Huge Explosion in the Heart of Iranian Trade
Around noon on Saturday, April 26, a massive explosion occurred at Rajai Port in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, one of the most important and sensitive commercial hubs in Iran, resulting in extensive human and material losses. As of now, more than 24 hours later, reliable information regarding the main cause of the explosion and the extent of the damages has not been published. Conflicting reports, eyewitness accounts, and various media outlets paint a vague and troubling picture of the incident.
Initial Reports and Discrepancies in Numbers:
Based on initial reports from government media, by noon on Sunday, it was stated that 36 people had died and 1,241 others were injured, with 20 in critical condition. However, unofficial reports and eyewitnesses, including correspondents from Simay Azadi (the Iranian Resistance's 24-hour broadcasting channel), provide much higher figures for the casualties. Some sources report over 100 fatalities and a significantly larger number of injuries. The severe congestion in hospitals and the lack of beds further exacerbate the situation.
Ambiguity Surrounding the Cause of the Explosion and Speculations:
Various speculations have been raised regarding the cause of this massive explosion. Some sources suggest the possibility of improper storage of chemicals, particularly "sodium perchlorate," used in solid rocket fuel production. Other reports indicate that shipments of rocket fuel from China to this port had occurred in recent months. Additionally, improper arrangement of containers holding different materials next to each other, ranging from flammable chemicals to food and clothing, is cited as a factor in the spread of fire and subsequent explosions.
Conversely, some state media refer to a history of safety warning records at this port, suggesting the possibility of sabotage and comparing this disaster to the Beirut port explosion of 2020. However, the Iranian regime's track record of cover-ups and lack of transparency in similar incidents strengthens the hypothesis of negligence, incompetence, and systemic issues.
Attempts to Cover Up and Control Information:
Reports from supporters of the People's Mojahedin Organization and the Iranian Resistance indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and security agencies, instead of focusing on extinguishing the fire and assisting the victims, are using all their power to control the situation and prevent the spread of accurate information. Additionally, restricting access to the incident site and failing to provide accurate and transparent statistics increases public anxiety and confusion.
Humanitarian Dimensions of the Disaster:
Amid distressing reports, news has emerged of dozens of missing workers, including 23 women, along with the critical condition of the injured suffering from eye injuries and amputations. The severe air pollution resulting from the combustion of chemicals poses a threat to the health of the local population.
Reactions and Consequences:
In a delayed response, the government announced Monday, April 28, as a national day of mourning. Judicial officials spoke of issuing orders to investigate the cause of the incident and hold those responsible accountable; however, experience has shown that such promises often lead to no clear outcomes.
Aside from the human and material losses, this disaster could have significant repercussions for trade activities at Bandar Abbas port and the Iranian economy.
In this context, Maryam Rajavi stated in a message on her X platform regarding the explosion and its aftermath, emphasizing the regime's negligence: “More than 24 hours later, additional containers are still exploding in Bandar Abbas. The number of victims far exceeds the announced figures, surely surpassing 100. The Revolutionary Guard, the Ministry of Intelligence, and other repressive agencies are using their resources not to extinguish the fire and save the victims, but to control the situation and completely cover up the shipments of solid fuel for ballistic missiles and the scale of the disaster. My heartfelt condolences again to the victims, and I commend the tireless and diverse efforts of citizens to assist those affected. But I urge everyone, especially the youth of Bandar Abbas and neighboring cities and provinces, to double their efforts, particularly concerning the deprived workers and their families.”
Mir Mohammadi System
