An explosion in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, which resulted in two fatalities and injuries to at least 13 others, is believed to have been caused by a gas leak, according to local officials and state media.
The blast occurred on Saturday amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States. Fire officials indicated that a gas buildup likely triggered the explosion in a residential building.
“The initial cause of the building accident in Bandar Abbas was a gas leak and build-up, leading to an explosion,” stated Fire Chief Mohammad Amin Lyaghat in comments broadcast on state television. He added that more details would be provided in the coming hours.
The semi-official Tasnim news agency cited Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, head of crisis management in Hormozgan province, confirming that two people had died in the explosion. An additional 13 individuals are currently receiving treatment.
State television reported that the explosion took place in an eight-storey building, destroying two floors along with several vehicles and nearby shops. Images aired by Press TV showed extensive damage, with the building’s facade blown out and debris scattered across the area.
Following rumors online about the incident, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement denying that any of its naval forces’ buildings in the province had been targeted. Local newspaper Sobh-e Sahel showed footage of a security officer in a green uniform being carried on a stretcher, with Tasnim later reporting that one officer was injured while assisting civilians at the scene.
The explosion coincided with heightened fears of a military confrontation between Iran and the US. Recent tensions include threats from former US President Donald Trump to attack Tehran over a crackdown on protests and efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian security official Ali Larijani stated that negotiations with the US were progressing, dismissing concerns of an “artificial media warfare,” while Trump indicated Iran preferred negotiations over military action.
Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s strategic container port on the Strait of Hormuz, is a key global oil transit hub. The port experienced a major explosion last April that killed dozens and injured over a thousand.
In a separate incident, four people died in a gas explosion in the city of Ahvaz near the Iraqi border, the Tehran Times reported. Rescue crews have begun clearing debris to assist those trapped under the rubble.