Investigators Uncover False Documentation in Iran Port Blast That Claimed 70 Lives

Sun Oct 19 2025 10:37:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A devastating explosion at Shahid Rajaee port unveils improper cargo documentation, leading to rising death toll and ongoing inquiries.

An investigation into the catastrophic explosion in Iran's Shahid Rajaee port has revealed false statements in the cargo's documentation, contributing to a death toll of 70. Authorities are scrutinizing safety violations while attempting to identify the hazardous materials involved in the shipment.

Iran’s southern Shahid Rajaee port, the epicenter of a catastrophic explosion that claimed 70 lives, has come under intense scrutiny following revelations of improper documentation related to the shipment that triggered the blast. Officials disclosed on Monday that “false statements” were found in the shipping paperwork, obscuring the true nature of the dangerous cargo it carried.

On Saturday, a violent explosion erupted at the port, one of Iran’s busiest, leading to a catastrophic fire that lasted several hours and sent plumes of black smoke into the air. The government committee responsible for the investigation indicated a serious breach of safety protocols and pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the misleading documentation.

Although extensive investigations continue, Iranian officials have remained tight-lipped regarding crucial details, such as the type of substances involved, the specific ship that transported the cargo, and the shipment's arrival date. However, a source linked to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps suggested that sodium perchlorate, a chemical commonly used in missile fuel, was involved.

The power of the explosion was such that forensic teams are still working to identify 22 of the deceased. Among the near 1,200 injured, reports indicate that around 120 individuals are currently hospitalized. The Shahid Rajaee port was responsible for 85% of Iran's container traffic last year and plays a key role in the country’s oil export system, vital for its struggling economy.

Historically, the port has faced threats from foreign targeting; notably, a cyberattack by Israel disrupted its operations in 2020 amid ongoing regional tensions. However, both Israeli and Iranian officials have yet to link the recent explosion to any form of deliberate attack.

In a media interview, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s security and foreign policy committee, refrained from suggesting that the incident could be the result of sabotage, adding no context to the possibility that the false documentation could have been made in an effort to cut costs. The committee has promised to disclose the findings of their investigation to the public promptly.