ALBAWABA- A large fire erupted at a polymer plant in the Abadan Industrial Park in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province on Thursday, sending thick black smoke billowing across the area, local media reported.
The semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) said six firefighting crews were deployed to the scene shortly after the blaze began. Local officials indicated the fire was expected to be contained within an hour. No casualties or injuries were reported.
Authorities confirmed that the incident did not affect the nearby Abadan oil refinery, one of Iran’s largest and oldest refining facilities.
The fire comes amid a series of unexplained blazes and explosions that have struck Iranian industrial and energy sites since late January. Iranian officials have attributed previous incidents to technical malfunctions or accidental causes, while Israeli and U.S. authorities have denied any involvement.
A massive fire has erupted at a petrochemical unit in Abadan Industrial Estate, SW Iran. The intense blaze is sending huge plumes of black smoke into the sky & across the city of Abadan٫ has not yet been contained & its cause remains unknown.
— Ali Javanmardi (@Javanmardi75) February 26, 2026
آتشسوزی گسترده در شهرک صنعتی آبادان pic.twitter.com/LpkL3i7y9g
The latest incident coincided with the conclusion of a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who is mediating the talks, said the discussions produced “significant progress” and the exchange of “creative and positive ideas,” with technical-level meetings set to resume next week in Vienna.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the session as one of the longest and most intense so far, reiterating Tehran’s position that uranium enrichment must continue and that sanctions must be fully lifted under any agreement.
The diplomatic efforts are unfolding against a backdrop of increased U.S. military deployments in the region and Israeli opposition to any deal that leaves Iran with nuclear capabilities. Analysts warn that further industrial incidents could heighten tensions and complicate already fragile negotiations.
