A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook northern Iran on Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), adding to the tension already gripping the region amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes.
The tremor was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), with its epicenter located approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) southwest of the city of Semnan. No immediate reports of casualties or damage have been issued, but the quake comes at a critical time as the country faces mounting military pressure from Israel, according to Al-Rai daily.
The seismic event occurred as Israel continues its campaign of targeted strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The timing of the earthquake has heightened anxiety among residents and raised concerns about potential aftershocks or damage to critical sites, including energy facilities and strategic installations.
Iran sits on several major fault lines and is prone to frequent earthquakes. The country’s infrastructure, already strained by sanctions and the ongoing conflict, may now face additional challenges in responding to natural disasters amid escalating hostilities.
The Iranian authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the earthquake’s impact. Meanwhile, emergency services are reportedly on alert in the Semnan region to assess any possible effects.
