A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck near Khonj in Fars Province, southern Iran, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a depth of 10 km at 6:54 GMT (10:24 AM local time). The epicentre was located about 55 km north-northwest of Gerash in a largely rural region.
There is no scientific evidence suggesting that a nuclear test caused this earthquake. Experts can clearly distinguish between natural seismic activity and explosions. Southern Iran lies within the Zagros fold-thrust belt, a tectonically active zone where earthquakes are common due to natural plate movements.
The quake struck at 10:24 am local time, and there’s no immediate report of damage or casualties.
Iran’s location on multiple active fault lines makes it prone to earthquakes, particularly in southern provinces like Fars, where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
The timing of the quake comes as the Islamic Republic push back strikes from Israel and the United States in an operation which started Saturday.
Meanwhile, Israel said it is conducting “simultaneous strikes in Tehran and Beirut,” targeting Iranian military sites and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, as its troops intensify their push in Lebanon.
Picture Credits The Sunday Guardian
