Shocking Insights: Iranian Port Explosion Linked to Charity Run by Supreme Leader

Last Saturday, a powerful explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, near Bandar Abbas, took at least 70 lives and injured over 1,000. This blast originated from a facility linked to Bonyad Mostazafan, a foundation controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office. The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned this foundation, labeling it a tool for Khamenei to enrich his allies and suppress political opposition.

The exact cause of the explosion remains uncertain, but local reports suggest that an explosive cargo was involved. Andrea Sella, a chemistry professor at University College London, remarked on the unusual presence of such dangerous materials in a port warehousing area, calling it a reckless situation.

The Power of Bonyads in Iran

Bonyads, or foundations, hold significant economic power in Iran. They trace their origins back to assets confiscated during the Shah’s reign, with the foundation’s influence expanding after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Bonyad Mostazafan, often called the “Foundation of the Oppressed,” might be the largest, representing around 10% of Iran’s GDP in 2008. Today, it reportedly manages billions through sectors like mining and shipping.

Following the blast, reports indicate that the explosion occurred next to Sina’s terminal at the port. Saeed Jafari, CEO of Sina, claimed the incident involved dangerous goods concerning false statements about their nature, though he provided limited details.

Connections to the IRGC

Since its inception, Bonyad Mostazafan has had ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Hossein Dehghan, the foundation’s president, is a former general in the IRGC. The foundation has been accused of serving as a financial hub for the IRGC and facilitating its operations.

The U.S. Treasury stated that Bonyad Mostazafan operates outside government oversight, due to a decree from Khamenei exempting it from taxes. This lack of scrutiny raises concerns about its influence on Iranian politics and its role in international sanctions evasion.

Recent Sanctions and Chemical Shipments

This week, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on entities in China and Iran linked to the transport of sodium perchlorate, a substance used to create solid fuel for ballistic missiles. Tracking data revealed that shipments of this chemical reached Shahid Rajaei port, raising alarms about Iran’s military capabilities.

Iranian officials have denied any involvement with missile fuel imports, attributing the explosion to “human error.” However, eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage suggest a chemical like ammonia may have been present, reminiscent of past disasters like the 2020 Beirut explosion.

Comparisons to historical blasts highlight the dangers associated with large-scale chemical handling. Both a 1988 explosion in Nevada and a 2013 incident in Texas shared similarities in their explosive materials. Such incidents underscore the possible risks involved in Iran’s ongoing weapons development.

Experts like Sella continue to express concern over the ramifications of these occurrences, emphasizing the need for increased awareness about the potential dangers of unstable chemical supplies.