A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck northern Iran on Friday, as tensions in the region escalated with ongoing Israeli air strikes targeting military and nuclear facilities across the country.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake hit at a depth of 10 kilometres, around 37 kilometres southwest of Semnan, a city located roughly 200 kilometres east of Tehran. Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported a slightly stronger magnitude of 5.2.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage from the earthquake, but authorities say they are monitoring the situation closely, particularly due to the shallow depth of the quake, which can increase the likelihood of surface impact.
The earthquake comes at a time of heightened military conflict between Israel and Iran. In recent days, Israel has launched multiple air strikes on Iranian territory, reportedly hitting locations tied to Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Key sites in cities such as Isfahan, Natanz, and Arak have been targeted, with damage reported to military infrastructure.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.