Amid ongoing retaliation between Iran and Israel, a moderate earthquake struck northern Iran on Friday, registering a magnitude of 5.1, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was felt southwest of Semnan city at a depth of 10 kilometers (approximately six miles).
The epicenter was located in Semnan, about 145 miles (233 kilometers) east of the capital, Tehran. Local media reported that tremors were also felt in Tehran.
As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake’s reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map, report agencies.
The earthquake occurred near Iran’s crucial Fordo nuclear facility in Qom province, raising further concern and sparking speculation on social media.
An Iranian blogger on Telegram suggested that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may have been conducting a “test” that triggered the tremor, though this claim remains unverified. Iran’s mainstream media have confirmed the earthquake but have not reported any link to military tests. Some outlets measured the quake at 5.2 or even 5.5 magnitude, fueling speculation that the tremor may have been caused by a covert nuclear test.
Meanwhile, regional media also reported an Israeli missile strike on Iran’s southwestern Behbahan province around the same time. According to Israeli outlet Walla News, an Iranian air defense installation named “Magar” was targeted. No official statements have yet been released to verify these claims.