Why it matters:
Shahid Rajaee Port, as Iran’s largest and most strategic commercial hub, plays a vital role in the country’s international trade and economic resilience. Swift recovery efforts backed by advanced technology could transform this tragic event into a pivotal moment for boosting Iran’s smart logistics infrastructure and national economic strength.
What he’s saying:
The Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, in a statement issued on Sunday, expressed condolences to the Iranian people and victims’ families, and affirmed its commitment to speeding up recovery efforts using cutting-edge technologies and knowledge-based initiatives.
Key points:
- The port is a vital hub for Iran’s international trade and economy, with a capacity to handle 70 million tons of cargo annually. Its swift recovery is crucial for maintaining national economic stability.
- The Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy has pledged to support the port's reconstruction through advanced technologies like AI, robotics, IoT, and smart logistics, aiming to modernize the infrastructure.
- Knowledge-based companies, alongside government agencies, are mobilizing to rebuild Shahid Rajaee Port quickly while implementing innovations to improve safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Go deeper:
A massive explosion occurred at Shahid Rajaee Port around noon on Saturday, April 26, 2025, causing extensive damage to nearby buildings and vehicles. The cause of the blast is still under investigation. Tragically, the explosion resulted in dozens of fatalities and injured more than 500 people. Top officials arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, and the president visited Bandar Abbas to conduct a field assessment of the situation today.
ahmad shirzadian