Artist: Behnam Mohammadi
By Kayhan Life Staff
A week has passed since the explosion at Shahbandar (Rajai Port) in Bandar Abbas, in Iran’s southern province of Hormozgan.
The blast caused extensive damage to the port and a climbing death toll. The government confirmed that 100 people lost their lives, over 1,240 people sustained injuries, and at least 20 individuals remain unaccounted for. The fires, which have now been put out, caused billions of dollars in damage.
The explosion occurred at a facility operated by Sina Marine Services and Ports Company, which was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020. The company is managed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It is owned by Bonyad Mostazafan, a conglomerate comprising 160 holdings across various sectors of Iran’s economy, including finance, energy, construction, and mining.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on the Mostazafan Foundation, stating that the assets of this entity were taken from the Iranian people and utilized by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to enhance his office, reward political allies, and oppress the regime’s opponents.
Iran’s defense ministry denied international media reports that the explosion could be connected to the mishandling of solid fuel used for missiles provided by China. The Customs Administration stated that the cargo was neither registered nor formally declared before the incident.
Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi criticized the Islamic Republic, stating that once again it chose a path of suppression, lies, and concealment instead of accountability and transparency.
Experts have warned that the damage to the dock could have a significant impact on Iran’s economy. According to domestic sources, the port handles 85 percent of container operations, 70 percent of goods transit, 58 percent of non-oil operations, and 43 percent of oil operations in Iran.
The aftermath of the explosion continues to affect surviving workers at the dock and Iran’s economy. Reports indicate that several workers are suffering from trauma-related conditions stemming from the blast, while the families of the deceased face uncertainty regarding promised insurance payments. Injured workers at the scene, including those with serious injuries, reported that hospitals required payment up front before providing treatment.
