The tragic incident of explosion in Bandar-e Rajaei, Bandar Abbas, which occurred on the 26th of April 2004, was recorded as one of the most bitter and far-reaching disasters in the recent years in the collective memory of the Iranian people. This terrible event claimed the lives of at least 70 people, injured over 1,240, and resulted in the disappearance of 6 people and severe burns for 5 others. It also caused heavy damage to vital infrastructure and the environment of the region.

Despite the passage of time, the exact cause of this explosion has not yet been officially announced and expert investigations are ongoing; although various sources have speculated about possible reasons. One of the proposed theories is that the explosion was caused by containers containing chemical substances and hazardous goods in the port area. According to some reports, the container area known as “Sina” was the location where these materials were stored and it is believed that the initial explosion originated from a highly flammable and sensitive oil tank belonging to a private sector. This account once again highlights the importance of strictly adhering to safety standards in storage and management of hazardous materials and brings attention to existing weaknesses in this area.

Alongside the scenario related to chemical materials, another hypothesis emphasizes the possibility of sabotage and external interference. Some sources claim that the explosion was related to the cargo of two Chinese ships carrying sodium perchlorate (key ingredients in rocket propulsion). This perspective highlights the political and security aspects of the incident and raises the possibility of foreign intervention aimed at disrupting the country’s infrastructure; although so far, no solid evidence has been presented to prove this claim and some observers have also rejected it.

At the same time, there is a third theory that seeks the cause of the tragedy not in external factors, but in chains of internal errors. In fact, this theory sees the main cause of the incident in a combination of human and structural factors, focusing on mismanagement, weaknesses in the system of registering and controlling goods, and incorrect actions of operators. According to this perspective, the root of the tragedy lies not in external intervention or illegal transportation of specific materials, but in the inefficiency of monitoring and enforcement systems at the port. According to this analysis, the process of entry, registration, storage, and movement of goods at the Rajai port has been plagued by serious deficiencies. Some reports indicate that the recorded information about the contents of containers was either incomplete or not properly declared; in some cases, the type of goods did not match what was stated in customs declarations. These incorrect declarations, which could be the result of human error, negligence, or even complicity in the import process,

Regardless of which of the theories presented about the cause of the Bandar-e Jask incident is more accurate or final, the overall responsibility of the government as the supreme decision-making and supervisory institution over the administration of the country is undeniable from the perspective of public law and fundamental principles of constitutional law. According to legal principles, the government and governing institutions are obligated to take necessary measures to protect public safety, the lives and property of citizens, and prevent foreseeable incidents. Negligence in these duties, regardless of any malice or criminal intent, can lead to civil, disciplinary, or even criminal liability for individuals and legal entities involved. In the first hypothesis, which emphasizes inadequate storage of hazardous materials in the port area, the responsibility of the government arises from the lack of effective supervision over storage and transportation of dangerous goods in one of the most sensitive logistical infrastructures of the country. According to existing regulations, including port safety regulations, regulations on hazardous materials, and guidelines of the Ports and Maritime Organization