TEHRAN – Iranian authorities have identified 21 organizations as responsible for the catastrophic explosion at Shahid Rajaee port earlier this year, according to a detailed judicial investigation released on Monday.

The blast occurred on April 25, when a fire erupted in a container at the Sina Company’s container yard within the port, triggering a powerful explosion that caused widespread damage to personnel, machinery, buildings, and equipment across the dock area.

The tragedy claimed 58 lives and left over 1,500 people injured, many suffering burns and serious wounds.

In the immediate aftermath, Iran’s judiciary, security forces, emergency responders, and other relevant agencies swiftly mobilized to manage the crisis and initiate a comprehensive investigation.

The judiciary in Hormozgan province assembled expert teams to conduct a meticulous analysis aimed at alleviating the suffering of victims and ensuring prompt coordination of relief and investigative efforts.

In a statement on Monday, Iran’s judiciary chief Gholam-Hussein Mohsen Eje’I acknowledged “significant progress” over the past four months in handling various aspects of the case, including crisis management, reopening the port, managing legal proceedings, supporting victims’ families, and compensating for physical and financial damages.

However, he emphasized that “work remains” and that numerous individuals and organizations have been investigated for their roles in the incident.

The expert report, compiled after six days of site inspections totaling 240 person-hours, numerous interviews with stakeholders, and extensive document reviews spanning over 4,500 pages, was submitted to the investigative judiciary branch.

Spanning 45 pages across eight sections, the report identified multiple contributing factors to the explosion, including “improper long-term storage of hazardous materials,” “lack of sufficient environmental controls,”

 “weak inter-agency coordination,” and the “prioritization of economic considerations over safety requirements.”
According to the report, 21 entities were found responsible under 92 indicators, including the Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Organization, customs authorities, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry, Environment Protection Agency, shipping companies, and others involved in port management, regulation, and oversight.
Failures cited include inadequate enforcement of safety standards, poor monitoring and handling of hazardous chemicals, neglect of prior safety warnings, delays in customs clearance of sensitive goods, and weak implementation of health, safety, and environmental protocols.
The report also highlighted the absence of real-time cargo tracking systems, shortcomings in anti-smuggling law enforcement, and non-compliance with international chemical storage standards.
Under Iranian criminal procedure law, once the expert findings are delivered to the prosecutor, the responsible parties are formally notified. Depending on their response, cases may proceed to judicial panels or reach final verdicts.
Authorities pledged that “those found negligent or culpable will be held accountable” for the devastating Shahid Rajaee port explosion.