section_path: Investigation
section_name: Investigation
paragraph_text: Investigation
  
  Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Preliminary assessments suggested that negligence in handling flammable materials may have contributed to the incident. The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company stated that the explosion was not related to its infrastructure, including refineries, fuel tanks, distribution complexes, or oil pipelines. A government spokeswoman, Fatemeh Mohajerani, said: "containers were stored in a corner of the port that likely contained chemicals which exploded. But until the fire is extinguished, it's hard to ascertain the cause."
  
  One analyst compared the blast to the 2020 Beirut explosion stating that it is consistent with an ignition and explosion of sodium perchlorate (used to make rocket fuel) or ammonium nitrate (used as fertilizer). The explosion has also been linked to a shipment of ammonium perchlorate, a strong oxidizer used in rocket fuel. A named maritime risk consultancy firm believed the explosion was caused by improper handling of ammonium perchlorate. The port received a shipment of ammonium perchlorate in March from China to replenish Iran's stock for producing missiles.
  
  Without naming specific chemicals, Iranian authorities stated on 27 April 2025 that the explosion was caused by "hazardous goods and chemical materials" stored in the port. A spokesperson for the Iranian defense ministry, Reza Talaei-Nik, denied that missile fuel had been transported via the site, without providing a possible cause of the explosion.
  
  On 28 April 2025, Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, announced that the explosion was caused by negligence and non-compliance with safety measures. He stated that some individuals have been identified and summoned in connection with the incident, highlighting shortcomings in adhering to safety precautions and passive defense protocols. Momeni emphasized that the hazardous materials involved should have been dispersed to prevent such a disaster.
  
  On May 4, two people, including a government official, were arrested by Iranian authorities in connection with the explosion.