Explosion at Iranian Port Kills Four, Injures Over 500

A massive explosion and fire at Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran killed at least four people and injured more than 500, according to state media and rescue officials. The blast, which originated from several containers—some reportedly storing chemical materials—sent billowing black smoke into the air and shattered windows miles away, causing a nearby building collapse. Authorities have not determined the cause of the explosion but ruled out damage to energy infrastructure, noting that industrial accidents are not uncommon in Iran due to aging facilities and sanctions. Emergency services responded by evacuating the site and transporting the injured to local hospitals. The incident prompted Iran's government to launch an investigation into the cause and extent of the damage. Shahid Rajaei is a major commercial port handling tens of millions of tons of goods annually and is critical to Iran's trade routes.