Security firm links Iran port blast to mishandling missile fuel shipment - AP

The massive blast at Iran's Rajaei port "was reportedly the result of improper handling of a shipment of solid fuel intended for use in Iranian ballistic missiles,” the Associated Press reported citing private security firm Ambrey.

Earlier in January, the Financial Times reported that two Iranian cargo ships, the Golbon and the Jairan, left China loaded with 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate, a crucial ingredient for making solid rocket propellant.

Citing unnamed security officials in two western countries, the FT said the chemicals were being shipped to the Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Bandar Abbas.

Ship-tracking data analyzed by AP put one of the vessels believed to be carrying the chemical in the vicinity in March.

The Maritime Executive also reported in March that one of the ships mentioned by the Financial Times, the MV Jairan, was passing through the Strait of Malacca en route to Bandar Abbas.

CNN reported in February that the Golbon, the first of two Iranian cargo vessels carrying sodium perchlorate from China, had anchored off the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas after departing from Taicang Port on January 21.

Iran has not publicly acknowledged receiving the shipments and has denied that Saturday's explosion is related to the country’s oil industry.